Man accused of Natalie McNally’s murder beat previous partner, court told

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Rory Carroll Ireland correspondentMarch 6, 2026 at 07:37 PM

AI Summary

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In Northern Ireland, Stephen McCullagh is on trial for the December 2022 murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally. The prosecution alleges McCullagh meticulously planned the crime and faked an alibi by pre-recording a gaming session. During the trial, a former girlfriend testified that McCullagh physically assaulted her in 2019 after discovering messages to another man, including punching her after she attempted suicide. She also stated that McCullagh covertly recorded her counseling sessions held at his home in 2022, prior to his relationship with McNally. McCullagh denies murdering McNally and his defense disputes the ex-girlfriend's account of the alleged assault and threats.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Belfast 40% John Kearney KC 40% County Antrim 50% Lisburn 50% Lurgan 50% County Armagh 50% Natalie McNally ×380% Stephen McCullagh ×1090%

Keywords

murder trial 90% domestic abuse 80% natalie mcnally 70% stephen mccullagh 70% ex-girlfriend 60% covert recording 60% premeditated murder 50% assault 50% false alibi 40%