Ex-Girlfriend Testifies About Abuse and Threats in Stephen McCullagh Murder Trial
An ex-girlfriend of Stephen McCullagh has provided harrowing testimony at his murder trial, detailing incidents of physical violence, threats to destroy sentimental belongings, and the secret recording of counselling sessions following a stillbirth. Mr McCullagh, aged 36 and from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, is accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, in December 2022.
Details of a Turbulent Relationship Emerge in Court
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described meeting McCullagh at the end of 2015 and maintaining an "on and off" relationship over seven years. She recounted a particularly distressing incident spanning the final two days of 2019, which led to her attempting suicide by jumping from a moving vehicle driven by McCullagh.
According to her testimony, the couple had separated but attempted reconciliation on December 30. McCullagh allegedly admitted to trying to have sex with another woman but refrained due to his love for her. Later, while fixing her phone, he discovered photos and messages she had shared with another man, prompting anger where he "slammed his fist into the bed" and shouted repeatedly.
Defence barrister John Kearney stated that McCullagh had no recollection of punching the bed. The arguments continued into New Year's Eve, with the woman feeling embarrassed about her messages but expressing a desire to rekindle the relationship.
Escalation to Physical Violence and Threats
The court heard that after McCullagh returned from work, tensions escalated. A "tussle" occurred in the garden when she tried to pull him inside, resulting in him pushing her "abruptly." Inside the house, she followed him into the bathroom, where he allegedly pushed her into the bath with his elbow, leaving her in shock for several seconds. Mr Kearney noted McCullagh had "no recollection" of this incident.
In the early hours, McCullagh drove her while she wore pyjamas and a dressing gown. He initially threatened to take her to the other man's house, but she insisted on wanting a relationship with him. Feeling suicidal, she unbuckled her seatbelt and tried to jump from the car moving at 45-50 mph. McCullagh stopped abruptly, pulled her back in, and then slapped her face and punched her temple, telling her he could "kill myself in my own time" and didn't want it to be a "murder car."
Mr Kearney accepted that McCullagh slapped her but denied punching or using the described language. A police interview transcript revealed McCullagh admitted slapping her to "shock" her and "make her see sense," claiming he had never hit a woman before.
Threats and Secret Recordings Revealed
During the car journey, McCullagh allegedly threatened to share the images from her phone with family and her workplace, and to burn her sentimental possessions. Mr Kearney said McCullagh denied making threats but claimed to have said a "lesser man" would destroy her things. After pleading, he agreed to return them.
The relationship ended after this incident, and she reported him to police but withdrew her statement within 48 hours, stating she didn't want him imprisoned. They reunited post-pandemic, and she experienced a stillbirth on January 7, 2022. McCullagh supported her in hospital and at home, where she lived for months while receiving counselling for poor mental health.
In 2024, police informed her that some counselling sessions had been recorded and found on his computers. She testified she was unaware of and did not consent to the recordings. Mr Kearney argued McCullagh offered to tape sessions because she struggled to remember them, but she denied any discussion of recording.
Cross-Examination Highlights Mental Health Struggles
During cross-examination, the woman acknowledged her mental health issues, including struggles with voices and self-harm, which caused tensions. She agreed McCullagh had tried to help her, describing him as someone who "wouldn't be the sort of man to talk" but attempted to communicate "in his own way."
Stephen McCullagh denies the murder charge. The trial continues at Belfast Crown Court, shedding light on the complex dynamics of their relationship amidst the serious allegations.
