Trial of man accused of murdering his pregnant partner delayed

Stephen McCullagh, from Lisburn, has denied murder.
Trial of man accused of murdering his pregnant partner delayed

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The start of the trial of a man accused of murdering his pregnant partner has been delayed.

At Belfast Crown Court, defence barrister John Kearney KC, representing Stephen McCullagh, said new evidence had been presented last week and time was needed to consider it.

McCullagh, 35, from Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, has been charged with the murder of Natalie McNally.

Niall (left) and Declan McNally in 2024 after finishing their Craigavon To Croker Charity Walk in memory of their sister Natalie
Niall (left) and Declan McNally in 2024 after finishing their Craigavon To Croker Charity Walk in memory of their sister Natalie (Brian Lawless/PA)

He has denied the murder.

McCullagh, wearing jeans and a blue pullover, sat in the dock during the brief hearing.

Ms McNally, 32, was stabbed at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, on the night of December 18th 2022, when she was 15 weeks pregnant.

Members of Ms McNally’s family were in court on Monday.

The trial was adjourned until Wednesday.

Judge Mr Justice McKinney said he was hopeful a jury could be sworn in and the trial would proceed on that date.

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