Ex-Partner Insists Phone Reset Unconnected to Natalie McNally's Murder
An ex-partner of murder victim Natalie McNally has told Belfast Crown Court that resetting his mobile phone days after her death had absolutely nothing to do with the killing. The man, who cannot be named due to a court order, testified that his actions were motivated by concerns about drugs in his home, not by any attempt to conceal evidence related to Ms McNally.
Details of the Tragic Case
Natalie McNally, aged 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was found dead at her home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022. Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, is currently on trial for her murder, a charge he has denied. The court previously heard that McCullagh told police the ex-partner was responsible, a claim the latter dismissed as "ridiculous" during his testimony.
Courtroom Testimony and Arrest Background
The ex-partner, who described Ms McNally as his best friend, returned to continue his evidence on Tuesday. He revealed that he had been arrested within the last two weeks and is on probation after being accused of sending threatening messages to a man involved with a former partner. Despite being reminded of his right against self-incrimination, he stated, "I know, I don't care, I'm here to tell the truth for Natalie, and that's what I'm going to do."
Regarding the phone reset, defence barrister John Kearney KC questioned him extensively. The man explained:
- He factory reset his phone before speaking to police because he was worried about drugs in his house.
- He had a "big bag of weed" in a cupboard while two detectives were present.
- The reset was intended to delete drug-related messages, not any communication with Ms McNally.
- He admitted in hindsight that it was unnecessary, but acted out of fear the police would seize his phone.
Events Surrounding the Night of the Murder
On Monday, the court heard that the ex-partner was watching the World Cup final with his then-partner on the night Ms McNally was killed. His then-partner had a video of him asleep on the sofa that evening. He learned of Ms McNally's death through a neighbour on Snapchat, who told him she had been murdered, possibly stabbed at the top of her stairs.
Initially, he speculated the killing might have been accidental or that she had miscarried and taken her own life following some "nasty" messaging between them. He also confirmed that police visited his home while he was at work to speak about Ms McNally.
Trial Proceedings and Personal Circumstances
The trial, before Mr Justice Patrick Kinney, is expected to last about five weeks, with a jury of six men and six women sworn in. Ms McNally's family and friends have been observing from the public gallery. The ex-partner concluded his testimony by noting he is nearly eight weeks sober and involved with a new partner, emphasizing his commitment to truth-telling for Natalie.
The trial continues as the court seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
