Publication date:
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 31 years for the murder of Natalie McNally (32) in Lurgan in December 2022. Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was murdered by Stephen McCullagh (36) on 18 December 2022.
McCullagh was found guilty of Ms McNally’s murder by a jury in a unanimous verdict at Belfast Crown Court on 23 March 2026.
Catherine Kierans, the Head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit, who prosecuted the case, said: “Natalie McNally was a much-loved young woman whose life was full of promise. Stephen McCullagh, the father of her unborn baby, violently and senselessly took her life. Today marks the conclusion of proceedings to hold a cold and calculating murderer to justice.”
Ms Kierans commended the bravery of Natalie’s loved ones including her parents and brothers, who attended every court appearance.
“At the heart of this case are a family who have lost a loved one in the most horrendous circumstances, and I want to pay tribute to them. The dignified and respectful way in which they engaged with the criminal justice system, while also dealing with devastating loss and grief, is remarkable. I know this was not easy for them, but their courage and resilience are testimony to them as a family and their love for Natalie.”
Ms Kierans said this was a calculated and premediated domestic murder.
“McCullagh carefully planned the murder, going to great lengths to try to hide the fact that he alone was responsible. This included creating a false alibi several days before the murder by producing a six-hour YouTube stream that was presented as live on the night of the murder, but that police later determined had been pre-recorded. He also meticulously laid a false trail to Ms McNally’s ex-partner, telling several people that he was harassing Ms McNally, which was untrue.
“Having set up this deception, he wore a disguise to travel to Natalie’s home where he brutally beat, stabbed and strangled her. In the days and weeks after the murder, posing as a grieving partner, he manipulated his way into the company and trust of her heartbroken family.
“He has now been held to account for this vicious murder for which he has shown no remorse whatsoever.”
Ms Kierans said the prosecution team worked closely with police from the point of McCullagh’s second arrest on 31 January 2023, giving prosecutorial advice on the decision to charge him with murder.
“We in the PPS worked with our partners in the Police Service of Northern Ireland who carried out a thorough and meticulous investigation. Together, we brought together the various strands of evidence, including CCTV, other digital material and witness testimony,” she said.
“This helped the prosecution team, including independent Senior Counsel and two Junior Counsel, to set out an overwhelmingly strong case which led to the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict.
“I want to commend the witnesses who bravely gave evidence in court. Among them was Natalie’s former partner, who was falsely accused by McCullagh of harassing and murdering Natalie. This man was cross-examined intensely over three days at the trial but he was determined to assist the prosecution. The evidence of all the witnesses was essential to building and successfully prosecuting this case.
“I would also like to thank the jury for their service. This case was particularly complex and harrowing, with many strands of evidence for the jury to analyse. Over almost five weeks, the jurors carried out their difficult task with dedication.”
Ms Kierans urged any victim of domestic abuse to seek help.
“Natalie’s murder was unprecedented in the level of planning and sophistication. However, it is far from an isolated event. Violence against women and girls is a pervasive issue in this society that we all must work together to tackle. Domestic abuse – which can take many, including subtle, forms – is a crime and should never be tolerated. Although women and girls are disproportionally affected, anyone of any gender can be a victim. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please report it to the police or speak to another trusted person such as a victim support group, a GP or social services.
“We consider every case of domestic abuse we receive from police carefully, sensitively and objectively. Our prosecutors are trained to understand how complex domestic abuse can be, and the impact of trauma on victims and witnesses. Where we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute perpetrators.
“Domestic abusers will rarely stop on their own. If you are experiencing abuse, be aware that there are organisations who can help, advise and offer support and can assist you to report to police. If you are thinking of leaving an abusive relationship, please reach out to support groups who can give advice including on your safety.
“This case is another reminder of the horrific scourge of violence against women and girls. Natalie’s family have bravely spoken out, not only about her murder, but this wider issue. Every victim is one too many.
“The impact of this crime will stay with Natalie McNally’s family and friends for the rest of their lives. I hope the conclusion of these proceedings brings them some kind of comfort.”
Notes to editors:
There is more information about how to report domestic abuse to police, and details of support organisations, on the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s website.
More information on how the PPS handles cases involving domestic abuse can be found on our website. The PPS Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Abuse can be found here.
For Media Enquiries during office hours (from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm) please contact the PPS Communications Unit at: PPSPressOffice@ppsni.gov.uk
The out of hours duty press officer can be contacted on: 07920 271 804, 07341 800254 or 07920 418844
Some support organisations for victims:
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call: 0808 802 1414. Email: help@dsahelpline.org www.dsahelpline.org
Victim Support NI. Call: 028 90243133. Email: info@victimsupportni.org.uk www.victimsupportni.com
Women’s Aid Federation NI: Call: 028 9024 9041 Email: info@womensaidni.org www.womensaidni.org
There is advice on developing a safety plan on the Women’s Aid Federation NI’s website
The Men’s Advisory Project (MAPNI) Call: 02890 241929 (Belfast), 02871 160001 (Foyle). Email: info@mapni.co.uk
NSPCC: Call: 0808 800 5000. For Childline: Call 08001111 Email: help@nspcc.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk
The Rainbow Project: Call: 02890 319090 Email: info@rainbow-project.org www.rainbow-project.org
Nexus NI. Call: 028 90326803 Email: help@dsahelpline.org https://nexusni.org