The murder trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend Natalie McNally, commenced at Belfast Crown Court. McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was found dead in her home in Lurgan a week before Christmas 2022. The prosecution alleges that McCullagh's actions were premeditated, describing the murder as 'planned, calculated and pre-meditated'.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Charles MacCreanor KC outlined the case against McCullagh, asserting that following the murder, he attempted to create a false narrative to avoid blame. This included implicating another ex-partner of McNally and misleading police with exaggerated claims about the crime scene, indicating his intent to mislead law enforcement and cover up his actions.

Family members and friends of Ms. McNally are present in the courtroom as a jury of six men and six women hears the case, which is expected to last approximately five weeks. The trial has garnered attention due to the tragic circumstances of McNally's death and the allegations against McCullagh, raising profound concerns about violence against women and the desperate need for justice in such cases.