A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing the gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee.

29-year-old Niall Sheerin of Tyrconnell Street in Derry City earlier this year pleaded guilty to possession of a pistol and ammunition with intent to enable another person to endanger life

Ms McKee was shot dead as she observed rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019.

She was standing near a police vehicle when she was hit by a bullet fired toward officers by a masked gunman.

The attack was claimed by the ‘New IRA,’ which said Ms McKee was caught in the line of fire.

Ballistics tests showed the pistol had been used in five shootings in the city over a 21-month period and the prosecution contended that Sheerin was aware that he was storing a gun on behalf of the New IRA.

In a statement this morning, the PSNI Major Investigation Team said the gun had a “significant history of being used in a series of shootings across Derry”.

“Lyra McKee, at just 29 years old, died after being shot in Creggan, in Derry on 18 April 2019,” said Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan.

“It’s over three years now since that tragic day, and the pain felt by Lyra’s loved ones is understandably as raw as ever.

“I want to thank members of the public for their support, and I’m keen to reassure the community that we remain committed to working with them and our partner agencies to stop the corrosive influence of terrorists.”

He said the investigation into Lyra’s murder is “very much active” adding that with the support of the public, police will “work tirelessly to bring those responsible before the courts”.

Crimestoppers is now offering an increased reward of up to £20,000 (€23,100) for any information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for her murder.