The prosecution in the murder trial of Stephen McCullagh has delivered a powerful closing statement, asserting that the defendant "lied and lied again" about his involvement in the death of Natalie McNally. Barrister Charles MacCreanor KC told Belfast Crown Court that the case against McCullagh is both "strong and compelling," urging the jury to consider the evidence carefully.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Natalie McNally, aged 32 and 15 weeks pregnant, was tragically murdered at her home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022. Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, 36, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, stands accused of her murder, a charge he has consistently denied throughout the proceedings.
Prosecution's Closing Arguments
In his closing remarks, Mr MacCreanor highlighted that McCullagh chose not to testify in his own defence, relying instead on statements made during police interviews and a pre-prepared document. The barrister emphasised that this decision meant the defendant's claims could not be subjected to cross-examination or scrutiny in court.
"Our submission to you is that this is a strong prosecution case, a compelling prosecution case that he is guilty," Mr MacCreanor stated. He further argued that if McCullagh had an innocent explanation for his actions, the jury would have heard it directly from him during the trial.
The False Alibi Allegation
A central point in the prosecution's case revolves around a livestream broadcast by McCullagh on the night of the murder. According to Mr MacCreanor, McCullagh falsely claimed to be playing Grand Theft Auto live between 6pm and midnight, which he described as a "complete fabrication" designed to create an alibi.
"That was the defendant's false alibi, of that there can be no doubt," the barrister asserted. He explained that evidence presented during the trial showed McCullagh had prepared the six-hour gaming broadcast four days in advance, coinciding with the time frame when Ms McNally was killed.
Mr MacCreanor posed a critical question to the jury: "You may feel is that one of the reasons you haven't heard from him, there's no answer that he could ever give that could stand up to scrutiny." He added that the jury must decide whether the timing of the alibi was merely a coincidence or indicative of guilt.
Exposure of Lies
The prosecution detailed how McCullagh's alleged falsehoods were uncovered. A police cybercrime report reportedly exposed the inconsistencies in his story, leading Mr MacCreanor to state, "All those lies he told were then exposed."
He argued that the need for a fabricated alibi pointed directly to McCullagh's involvement in the crime: "Why would you need a false alibi? Because he murdered Natalie McNally." The barrister concluded by listing the various parties to whom McCullagh is accused of lying, including Ms McNally herself, his friends, the McNally family, and police officers at the scene.
As the trial continues, the jury is tasked with weighing the prosecution's claims against the defence's denial, in a case that has gripped public attention due to its tragic circumstances and serious allegations.
