A pregnant woman’s murder in Co Armagh a week before Christmas in 2022 has been characterized as a meticulously planned and premeditated act. Natalie McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant, was fatally attacked in her Lurgan residence. The accused, Stephen McCullagh, 36, from Lisburn, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of her murder.

McCullagh appeared in Belfast Crown Court flanked by two prison guards as the trial commenced on Monday. Spectators, including family and friends of Ms. McNally, observed from the public gallery. A jury comprising six men and six women has been empaneled for the trial presided over by Judge Mr. Justice Patrick Kinney, expected to span about five weeks.

Prosecutor Charles MacCreanor KC alleged that McCullagh murdered Ms. McNally and then attempted to mislead investigators by implicating one of her former partners, claiming to have seen widespread blood and signs of a severe assault. MacCreanor outlined that McCullagh, also known as Votesaxon07 on YouTube, allegedly fabricated an alibi by streaming prerecorded video game footage on the evening of December 18, while he actually traveled to Ms. McNally’s residence.

During the trial’s first day, a distressed 999 call made by McCullagh on the night of December 19 was played for the court. MacCreanor asserted to the jury that the murder was meticulously planned and executed by McCullagh, with Ms. McNally sustaining fatal injuries, including neck compression and multiple stab and laceration wounds.

Moreover, it was revealed that Ms. McNally was pregnant with McCullagh’s child at the time. The estimated time of death was between 8:50 pm and 9:30 pm on December 18, 2022. McCullagh, who made the emergency call from Ms. McNally’s residence in Lurgan, falsely claimed to have last seen her on the afternoon of December 18.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, where McCullagh was found with Ms. McNally. Despite appearing distraught and performing CPR, the prosecution argued that McCullagh’s actions were part of a charade to conceal his role in the murder. The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings yet to unfold.