Man Accused of Using Pre-Recorded Gaming Stream as Alibi in Girlfriend's Murder
Prosecutors in Belfast Crown Court have alleged that a man from Northern Ireland fabricated an alibi for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend by uploading a pre-recorded gaming session to YouTube and presenting it as a live stream. Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Lisburn, County Antrim, denies murdering Natalie McNally, 32, who was found dead at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on 18 December 2022.
Details of the Alleged Alibi Scheme
The prosecution claims that McCullagh recorded a six-hour gaming session, featuring him playing Grand Theft Auto and Robot Wars, on the night of 14 and 15 December. He then broadcast this recording on his YouTube account, Votesaxon07, on the evening of 18 December, while allegedly traveling 17 miles to commit the murder. According to prosecutors, this was a planned, calculated, and premeditated attempt to create the impression he was at home during the crime.
During the broadcast, McCullagh appeared wearing a Santa hat and told viewers he had wanted to do a live stream for some time now. He mentioned technical issues with an old computer preventing him from checking live chat, drank Guinness and Baileys, and repeatedly stated, I am not leaving the house tonight. The jury, composed of six men and six women, viewed segments of this video as evidence.
Forensic Evidence and Court Testimonies
Digital forensic analyst Detective Constable Matthews testified that examination of McCullagh's computer and software provided extensive evidence indicating the broadcast was pre-recorded and later streamed as a live event. The recording was saved as a video file on 14 December, deleted in the early hours of 19 December, and then removed from the computer's recycle bin.
After his arrest, McCullagh admitted in a statement that the video stream was recorded several nights before the murder, following police confrontation about its authenticity. State pathologist Dr James Lyness described the assault on McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant, as prolonged, involving stab wounds to the neck, strangulation, and heavy blows to the head. The jury was also shown a knife that police believe may have been used in the killing.
Background and Trial Proceedings
McCullagh reported finding McNally's body on 19 December, making a 999 call the day after the murder. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Kinney, began on Monday and is expected to last five weeks. This case highlights the use of digital media in criminal investigations and the severe nature of the charges faced by the defendant.
