Belfast Crown Court heard today that the evidence against Stephen McCullagh, accused of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, is “compelling,” according to the prosecution. The trial, nearing its conclusion, has focused on a fabricated alibi and a pattern of deception allegedly employed by the accused. The case centers around the death of 32-year-aged Natalie McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she was found stabbed to death at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on December 18, 2022. This tragic incident has drawn significant attention in Northern Ireland.
Prosecuting counsel Charles MacCreanor KC questioned why McCullagh, 36, chose not to testify in his own defense, suggesting it was because he had no credible explanation for his actions. The prosecution’s case hinges on dismantling McCullagh’s initial claim that he was engaged in a six-hour livestream on YouTube at the time of the murder. This claim, it was revealed, was a fabrication. Police cybercrime experts determined the livestream had been pre-recorded four days prior to the killing and simply played on repeat during the crucial timeframe. The prosecution argues that this provided McCullagh with a window of opportunity to travel from his home in Lisburn to Lurgan and commit the crime.
Alibi Unravels: A Pattern of Lies
The court heard that McCullagh initially maintained the livestream story to friends, the McNally family, and police investigators. He only altered his account, providing a written statement claiming he had been drinking and fell asleep whereas the pre-recorded stream played, after being confronted with the evidence of pre-recording. Mr. MacCreanor argued this change in story was a direct result of being “caught out,” and asked the jury to consider why a false alibi would be necessary. “Why would you need a false alibi? Because you murdered Natalie McNally,” he stated, according to reports from the BBC.
The prosecution further presented evidence suggesting a strained relationship between McNally and McCullagh, revealing that McNally had been messaging other men and expressing doubts about their future together. Crucially, the trial has established that McCullagh possessed the passcode to McNally’s phone, raising questions about his access to her private communications.
Previous Relationship Details Emerge
Details of a previous relationship Natalie McNally had were also brought to light. An ex-boyfriend testified on Monday, accusing Stephen McCullagh of the murder. The ex-boyfriend, whose identity is protected by a reporting restriction, told the court he was “not proud” of past exchanges with McNally but directly addressed McCullagh, stating, “Natalie really was my best friend, and you killed her.” He described a continuing friendship with McNally even after she began a relationship with McCullagh, stating their relationship “never ended, as far as friends went.” BBC News reports that the pair were sexually active as recently as October 2022.
The court heard that the pair had met on Tinder and that the ex-boyfriend had briefly lived with McNally. He acknowledged taking advantage of their friendship and expressed remorse for his actions. Email and text exchanges between the two were presented as evidence, revealing discussions about relationships, video games, and family, alongside sexually explicit content.
The Investigation and Initial Arrest
The investigation began on the night of December 19, 2022, when officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland responded to a call at a house on Silverwood Green in Lurgan. They discovered the body of Natalie McNally. A post-mortem examination revealed she had suffered multiple stab wounds, severe beatings, facial fractures, and broken bones in her neck. Detectives found no signs of forced entry, leading them to believe McNally knew her attacker and willingly allowed them into her home. An initial suspect was arrested at the scene but released the following day after being ruled out.
Prior to the murder, Natalie McNally had spent the evening of December 18, 2022, watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup final with her parents in Craigavon before returning home to Lurgan. Police reviewed CCTV footage and released images of a person acting suspiciously near her home on the day she was last seen alive.
The defense is scheduled to present its closing arguments to the jury tomorrow. The case continues, and the jury will ultimately decide whether the prosecution has proven McCullagh’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in the murder of Natalie McNally. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the community of Lurgan and beyond.
Disclaimer: This article reports on ongoing legal proceedings. The information presented is based on court reports and does not constitute a legal judgment.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
