Three men were found not guilty on Friday of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry in April 2019.

Paul McIntyre, 58, Peter Cavanagh, 38, and Jordan Devine, 25, all from Derry, were acquitted of a joint enterprise murder charge at Belfast Crown Court. The non-jury trial was heard by Mrs Justice Smyth, who delivered a lengthy judgment after reserving her decision.

Speaking outside the court, Lyra McKee's sister Nichola Corner said the verdict came as a complete shock and that the justice system had failed her family and Northern Ireland. She stated that more than 150 people witnessed the events of 18 April 2019 but not one came forward with evidence, describing a climate in which people are afraid to share information. She said the family would continue to pursue justice.

Lyra McKee, 29, was fatally shot while observing disturbances in the Creggan area. Petrol bombs had been thrown at police and a car set alight before four shots were fired towards officers. The New IRA later claimed responsibility. The gunman has not been brought before any court.

The prosecution's case was that the three men accompanied the shooter to a firing point and encouraged or assisted him. Defence lawyers criticised the evidence as largely circumstantial. The judge said the evidence against those accused of assisting or encouraging fell short of what was required for conviction.

Two other defendants were convicted of separate charges. Christopher Gillen, 45, was found guilty of riot, possessing petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances and throwing petrol bombs that night. Kieran McCool, 57, was convicted of common assault against a community worker. Gillen was remanded in custody for sentencing on 25 September.

Four other men were acquitted of rioting charges. They were Joseph Barr, Jude McCrory, Joseph Campbell and Patrick Gallagher. All defendants had denied the charges and none gave evidence during the trial.

The Public Prosecution Service said it was satisfied the legal test for prosecution was met and that the case was properly brought. It acknowledged the acquittals would be deeply disappointing to the family.

At the end of the hearing, Mrs Justice Smyth described the killing as an act of senseless violence and noted that the outcome would bring little comfort to Lyra McKee's family and friends.