Ex-Partner of Natalie McNally Denies Involvement in Her Murder During Court Testimony
A former partner of Natalie McNally has told Belfast Crown Court that he did not kill the Co Armagh woman, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she was murdered at her home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also denied recruiting anyone else to carry out the killing and refuted claims that he injured his hands on the night of the tragic incident.
Defence Barrister Questions Witness Over Police Statements and Injuries
Defence barrister John Kearney KC questioned the witness about police interviews conducted in the days following Ms McNally's death. The ex-boyfriend had previously admitted to telling "white lies" about the amount of contact he had with Ms McNally when giving his initial statement to authorities.
Mr Kearney presented photographs showing injuries to the witness's hands during the police interviews. The witness explained that he had sustained these injuries from punching walls, but firmly stated they were not acquired on the evening of the murder.
When asked directly if he had killed Natalie McNally, the witness responded with a definitive "No." He also denied being present at Silverwood Green on December 18 and rejected any suggestion that he had recruited assistance for the crime.
Witness Confronts Defendant in Emotional Courtroom Exchange
The barrister reminded the witness that the defendant, Stephen McCullagh, maintains his innocence and believes the ex-partner was responsible for the murder. In response, the witness turned toward McCullagh in the court dock and shouted, "You done it," later adding, "You killed her."
When questioned about his initial lies to police, the witness claimed he had otherwise provided truthful accounts of his whereabouts hour by hour for four days. He acknowledged only misleading authorities about when he last saw Ms McNally and the extent of their contact, which he corrected upon his arrest.
Prosecution Explores Relationship Dynamics and Emotional Impact
Prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC inquired about the nature of the witness's relationship with Ms McNally. The witness expressed uncertainty about their official status, revealing that both were still using Tinder while living together, though they laughed about it.
He admitted to feeling guilty, stating, "This is why I feel so bad because I feel like I've taken advantage of her. She would have 100% considered me her boyfriend and I didn't consider her my girlfriend at times."
When confronted with McCullagh's belief that he was responsible for the murder, the witness again denied any involvement, responding, "No, no I didn't."
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence surrounding this devastating case that has gripped the community.
