Man to Stand Trial for Murdering Pregnant Partner - Trial set for November

A 35-year old man is to stand trial this November on a charge of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, it was determined today.

Ms McNally Murdered in December 2022

Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed in her home in Lurgan in December 2022. Stephen McCullagh, formerly of Woodlands Garden in Lisburn but now housed in HMP Maghaberry, has been charged with murdering his 32-year old partner on a date between December 17 and 20, 2022.

Trial Date Set for November

A trial date was set for this May but had to be vacated. The case was listed again today at Belfast Crown Court where a senior judge spoke of the 'extreme delay' and said the case should be 'given priority.' Mr Justice O'Hara addressed defence barrister Craig Patton and enquired whether all his reports will have been received by the end of September. After this was confirmed by Mr Patton, Mr Justice O'Hara said he wanted the trial to proceed as soon as possible. The hearing is expected to last between four and six weeks and after telling the defence there was to be no 'further slippage', Mr Justice O'Hara stated: 'The trial will start on the 3rd of November.' Today's hearing concluded when Mr Justice O'Hara said he would review the case on Friday, September 12th.