Emotional Courtroom Outburst in Natalie McNally Murder Trial
The third week of Stephen McCullagh's murder trial at Belfast Crown Court witnessed a dramatic and emotional outburst from Natalie McNally's former partner, who directly accused the defendant of killing his "best friend." Looking toward the dock where McCullagh sat, the man declared: "She was my best friend and you killed her." This powerful moment occurred in front of Ms. McNally's family and friends gathered in the public gallery, adding to the already tense atmosphere of the proceedings.
Background of the Case and Relationships
Stephen McCullagh, aged 36 and residing at Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Natalie McNally in 2022 while she was 15 weeks pregnant with his child. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Patrick Kinney, features a jury of six men and six women and is anticipated to last approximately five weeks. Previously, the court heard McCullagh's claim that Ms. McNally's ex-partner was responsible for her murder, a claim now countered by the ex-partner's testimony.
The former partner, who cannot be named due to a court order, detailed his relationship with Ms. McNally, which began in 2019 after they met on the dating app Tinder. He moved into her house but relocated in 2020 after securing a Housing Executive flat. Despite both entering new relationships, they maintained intermittent contact, exchanging messages and meeting for sexual encounters, including one in October 2022. The court reviewed emails and WhatsApp messages between them, revealing arguments about their relationship, Ms. McNally's pets, family issues, and McCullagh, as well as explicit sexual messages and multiple requests from him to meet for sex.
Testimony and Emotional Reflections
Appearing in court, the man described Ms. McNally as his closest confidant, stating, "Natalie was my best friend, and the relationship never ended to be honest as far as friends went." He admitted to getting together with a new partner in 2022 but continued to stay in touch with Ms. McNally, acknowledging, "I was trying to be good, but I kept in touch with Natalie." His last physical encounter with her was at her home in Lurgan in October 2022, a memory he regrets. "The last time I saw Natalie, she was lying on her bed on her side, I could tell she was raging at me, we'd had sex, and then I was away... That memory of the last time seeing her, I really wish it was something nicer than her looking annoyed at me, annoyed at herself even I think," he recounted.
Expressing remorse, he said, "I'm not proud of it, I'm not proud of any of these text messages. I definitely took advantage of Natalie, I feel horrible about it." He emphasized the depth of their bond, noting, "There was a lot more to me and Natalie's relationship than these text messages, I knew her for four years, she was my best friend. She was the nicest girl ever, she would have done anything for anybody, she helped me in so much and I feel horrible... I just wish I had been better to her because I definitely took advantage of Natalie and her good heart."
Police Involvement and Alibi
The man testified that he was initially approached by police to provide a statement following Ms. McNally's murder and was later arrested. He cooperated fully, stating, "I wanted to help as much as possible, I knew I hadn't done it so I had nothing to worry about... when it was explained I was under arrest, my jaw dropped, 'are you serious, I'll go with you and help, but the truth will always come out'." He provided an alibi for the night of the murder, claiming he was watching the World Cup final with his then-partner at their home, aligning with the timeline police believe Ms. McNally was killed.
The court also heard that McCullagh had access to Ms. McNally's phone password, adding another layer to the investigation. As the trial continues, the emotional testimony and complex relationships at the heart of this case are expected to unfold further, with the jury tasked with weighing the evidence in this tragic murder trial.
