Jury Reviews Evidence in Natalie McNally Murder Trial

The murder trial of **Natalie McNally**, a 32-year-old pregnant woman, is underway at **Belfast Crown Court**, where the jury has been presented with significant evidence. McNally was brutally beaten, strangled, and stabbed in her home on **December 18, 2022**. Her unborn child’s father, **Stephen McCullagh**, 36, has been accused of the murder and has denied the charges.

During the third day of the trial, jurors were shown a recording from a **YouTube** ‘live stream’ that McCullagh claimed as an alibi. The stream, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” was reportedly uploaded to McCullagh’s channel on the evening of December 18, between **18:00 and 00:00**. The prosecution asserts that rather than live streaming, McCullagh traveled from **Dunmurry** to McNally’s home in **Lurgan**, where he committed the murder.

The evidence presented includes items taken from McNally’s residence, notably a small black-handled knife found near her head in the living room. A forensic examination revealed the knife among other items, including a silver dog bowl and a sheet of paper containing information about diabetes. All evidence was carefully wrapped in forensic bags.

In a critical revelation, experts from the **Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)** determined that the six-hour stream was pre-recorded and not live, contradicting McCullagh’s claims. In an earlier statement to the police, McCullagh admitted he had recorded the stream on the night of **December 14** and uploaded it days later.

Sections of the recording were played in court, revealing McCullagh wearing a red Santa hat while drinking and smoking during the stream. He made several claims about the stream being live, despite evidence to the contrary. At one point, he stated, “I’m going to get drunk during this live stream. I did promise people I wouldn’t get drunk. To those people I apologise.”

The jury also reviewed WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally on the day of her murder. The couple discussed holiday preparations, including decorating a Christmas tree and a World Cup football match between **Argentina and France**. Notably, at **17:57**, McCullagh texted McNally, saying, “Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.” She responded two minutes later with, “Good luck. I might sneak a peak at your live stream later.”

The Crown argues that McCullagh’s live streaming was a “cover story,” designed to fabricate a false alibi while he allegedly traveled to McNally’s home to commit the murder. As the trial continues, the court will examine the evidence further to determine the truth behind this tragic case.