Natalie McNally Murder Trial Hears She Considered Ending Relationship
The murder trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of killing his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, has heard compelling evidence that Ms McNally was contemplating ending their relationship in the weeks before her death. Belfast Crown Court was presented with a series of messages and recordings that paint a detailed picture of the couple's strained dynamics.
Messages Reveal Relationship Doubts
Agreed evidence read to the jury included exchanges between Ms McNally and other men in the months preceding her tragic death. On December 16, 2022, just two days before she was killed, Ms McNally informed a man known as Male B that she was pregnant but single, stating: "I am single but still pregnant. I know it is not a typical situation but I am delighted to have a baby by myself."
Earlier messages from December 11 showed Ms McNally expressing frustration to another man, Male C, about her relationship with McCullagh. She complained: "I just like doing my own thing and now I have to make plans all the time with this person, can't be bothered." When asked if she planned to end the relationship, she responded: "No, I wouldn't do it before Christmas, that's just mean. I'll see how I feel after the New Year."
McCullagh's Concerns and Actions
The court heard that McCullagh had created a note on his mobile phone on November 8, 2022, documenting Ms McNally's apprehension about moving in with him. The note revealed she was concerned about being close to her family and viewed his house as "his house and not hers." McCullagh noted that he felt she didn't acknowledge his efforts to make space for both her and their unborn baby.
Further evidence presented showed McCullagh conducted internet searches on December 18, 2022, the day of Ms McNally's death, regarding late-night bus and train services to Lurgan and surrounding areas using Translink's website.
Post-Murder Audio Recording
In a particularly disturbing revelation, the court heard that police discovered a 39-minute and 7-second audio recording on McCullagh's phone. This recording was made in January 2023 at the McNally family home, just weeks after Ms McNally's death. The circumstances surrounding this recording were not fully detailed in court.
Witness Testimony from Family Home
Holly McNally, married to Ms McNally's brother Niall, provided witness evidence about events at the family home following the murder. She testified that McCullagh visited the home on January 26, 2023, while family and friends were organizing a vigil in memory of Ms McNally, scheduled for two days later in Lurgan.
Ms McNally stated she offered to cook dinner for McCullagh and made him welcome during his visit, which lasted a couple of hours. She described how he left but returned within 20 minutes, explaining he had forgotten his mobile phone. After retrieving it, he departed again.
Trial Background and Charges
Natalie McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed at her home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022. Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, stands accused of her murder, a charge he has denied. The trial continues with further evidence expected to be presented in the coming days.
