James Donegan denies 1979 murder at Belfast Crown Court

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

James Donegan pleaded not guilty to murder at Belfast Crown Court, reported on 10 July 2026.

He also denied charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and IRA membership, relating to Joseph Porter’s killing near his home on Creggan Road, Mountnorris, County Armagh, in June 1979.

The court set a three-week trial to begin on 8 February 2027 and listed a case review for 18 September; Donegan was released on continuing bail.