Natalie McNally Murder Trial: Jury Shown Police Interview with Accused Partner
The jury in the trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, has watched a video recording of a police interview with the defendant. The footage was played at Belfast Crown Court, where McCullagh stands trial for what prosecutors describe as a premeditated killing.
Details of the Police Interview
In the video, detectives confronted McCullagh with CCTV evidence from the night of December 18, 2022, when Ms McNally was killed at her home in Lurgan. The 32-year-old victim was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
During the interview, which took place on February 1, 2023, McCullagh was accompanied by his solicitor. He repeatedly responded with "no comment" to a series of questions posed by detectives. The officers presented GPS maps showing a taxi journey from Lurgan to Lisburn on the night of the murder, alleging that a male seen in CCTV footage took that taxi to McCullagh's address.
When asked if he was the person in the taxi, McCullagh maintained his "no comment" stance. The detective then informed him that police believe the individual in the taxi is the person who killed Natalie McNally.
Allegations of Premeditation
The detective further alleged that McCullagh had created an alibi by claiming to be livestreaming a video gaming session of Grand Theft Auto between 6pm and midnight on the night of the killing. However, examination of his devices revealed no user-generated activity during that period. McCullagh contested this, stating, "That is literally impossible because you can see it on YouTube."
According to the prosecution, the male seen on CCTV took extensive steps to plan the murder. The detective outlined that this individual traveled by bus from Dunmurry to Lurgan, walked to Ms McNally's house, and remained inside for 39 minutes. During this time, Ms McNally sustained fatal injuries, including compression of the neck, stab wounds to the neck, and blunt force injuries to the head.
The detective asserted that the male then left the house, returned to Lurgan, and took a taxi to McCullagh's residence. She told McCullagh, "Everything from our inquiries tells us you are the male in the CCTV and we believe that male in the CCTV is the person who murdered Natalie." When asked to explain Ms McNally's injuries, McCullagh again replied, "no comment."
Defence Position and Additional Evidence
Following the interview, the jury was informed that McCullagh provided a statement to police, arguing that the case against him is entirely circumstantial. He denied being the male in the CCTV footage and suggested that the true killer had deliberately left evidence to implicate him. "I think it is obvious the true killer of Natalie has left a clear circumstantial trail to link me to the murder," he stated.
Defence barrister John Kearney KC later cross-examined Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness, the PSNI senior investigating officer, regarding the interviews and evidence collection.
Background and Context
Earlier in the trial, the jury heard agreed evidence, including message exchanges between Ms McNally and other men in the months preceding her death. On December 16, she informed a man known as Male B that she was pregnant and single, expressing delight at having a baby independently. "I know it is not a typical situation but I am delighted to have a baby by myself," she wrote.
In messages to another man, Male C, on December 11, Ms McNally indicated unease about her relationship, stating, "I just like doing my own thing and now I have to make plans all the time with this person, can't be bothered." She mentioned possibly reassessing the relationship after the New Year.
The court also learned that McCullagh had created a note on his mobile phone on November 8, documenting a conversation with Ms McNally about her potential move into his home. The note revealed her apprehensions about the change and her desire to remain close to her family.
Further Investigative Findings
Additional evidence presented included McCullagh's internet searches on December 18 for late-night bus and train services to Lurgan and surrounding areas via Translink's website. Police also located a 39-minute and seven-second audio recording on McCullagh's phone, made in January 2023 at the McNally family home.
Witness Testimony
Holly McNally, married to Ms McNally's brother Niall, provided witness evidence. She recounted being at the McNally family home frequently after the murder and described an incident on January 26 when McCullagh visited. After staying for a couple of hours, he left but returned within 20 minutes, claiming he had forgotten his mobile phone. He retrieved it and departed shortly after.
The trial is set to resume on Monday, with further proceedings expected to delve deeper into the evidence and testimonies presented.
