Full Breakdown
Trial of Stephen McCullagh for the Murder of Natalie McNally
3/4/2026, 10:31:09 PM
Overview of the Case
Stephen McCullagh, a 36-year-old YouTuber, is on trial for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, who was 32 years old and 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death on December 18, 2022. The incident occurred at McNally's home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan. McCullagh has denied the charges against him.
Key Events and Testimonies
During the trial at Belfast Crown Court, McNally's family provided testimony regarding McCullagh's behavior following her death. On Christmas Day, while attending McNally's wake, McCullagh allegedly recounted discovering her body. He claimed he had gone to her home after she failed to respond to his texts, expressing concern that she might be upset with him for drinking during a live stream. According to Noel McNally, McCullagh described finding Natalie lying at the top of the stairs and stated he had called emergency services, informing them of her pregnancy.
However, discrepancies arose in McCullagh's account. Defense barrister John Kearney KC suggested that McCullagh's recollection of events was not accurate, particularly regarding whether he had texted McNally to check on her. Witnesses from the McNally family contradicted McCullagh's claims, stating he did not mention certain details about his actions upon arriving at her home.
Family's Emotional Testimonies
Natalie McNally's mother, Bernadette, broke down in court while recounting the devastation her family faced after her daughter's murder. She described McCullagh's visits to their home following the incident, where he expressed his grief and shared plans he and Natalie had made for their future, including an engagement ring he showed her. Bernadette noted that McCullagh had a negative view of the police, claiming he was mistreated during his arrest, including being strip-searched.
Noel McNally also testified about his daughter's happiness regarding her pregnancy and her relationship with McCullagh. He confirmed that McCullagh had only met the family a few times before the incident, and he expressed concern about his daughter's safety living alone.
Conflicting Accounts and Defense Strategy
The defense has pointed out inconsistencies in the testimonies of the McNally family regarding McCullagh's statements about his interactions with police and his actions on the night of the murder. For instance, while McCullagh claimed he had intended to text McNally, family members insisted he stated he had already done so.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He said he didn’t want to go to the funeral as he didn’t want to be recognised.” — Bernadette McNally, Mother of Natalie McNally
- “He was as devastated as we were. He was in our home at least three times in January.” — Bernadette McNally
- “I never killed Natalie” — Stephen McCullagh, as recounted by Noel McNally
- “I then went over to him and he was completely distraught. He was saying ‘how could anyone have done this to her?’ He was describing how happy him and Natalie had been together.’” — Stephen McCullagh, as recounted by Declan McNally
What's Next
The trial continues as the prosecution and defense present further evidence and testimonies. The outcome will hinge on the credibility of witness accounts and the interpretation of McCullagh's actions leading up to and following the murder of Natalie McNally.
