Mrs Justice Smyth at Belfast Crown Court dismissed defence applications to dismiss charges against nine men from Derry in the murder trial of journalist Lyra McKee. The ruling came at the end of the prosecution case on Friday. The trial proceeds without a jury.

Lyra McKee, aged 29, died from a gunshot wound while observing unrest in the Creggan area of Londonderry in April 2019. The New IRA group claimed responsibility for the shooting.

Three men face murder charges: Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street; Jordan Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk. Six others face charges that include rioting and throwing a petrol bomb: Joseph Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive; Jude McCrory, 28, of Gartan Square; Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Goshaden Cottages; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place; Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens; and Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass.

A tenth defendant, William Patrick Elliott, 58, formerly of Ballymagowan Gardens, died last year. All remaining defendants deny the charges.

Mrs Justice Smyth reviewed prosecution evidence, which included footage from a media organisation and identification by Police Service of Northern Ireland officers. She determined a case exists for all defendants on all counts. Defence teams will review the decision.