Family hope killer’s sentence will be deterrent to stop violence against women

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

The family of Natalie McNally have said they hope the sentence handed to Stephen McCullagh for her murder will act as a deterrent in terms of violence against women and girls.

McCullagh was told he must serve at least 31 years in prison at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday after being found guilty of the murder of McNally, who had been pregnant with their son.

Speaking outside court, McNally’s father Noel said his family are already serving a life sentence following the loss of “our beloved Natalie”.

He said they hoped the sentence would serve to deter others from violence against women and girls.

“Over the past three-and-a-half years, our family have been through unimaginable pain and grief from the loss of our beautiful Natalie,” he said.

“We would just like to thank everyone who has helped us get to here today – all our family and friends, the whole community of Lurgan, Craigavon and throughout this country and beyond for all the kindness and support we have received.

“We would also like to thank the PSNI and the prosecution service for getting us to the conclusion here today.

“Today is not a celebration of the sentence handed down as Bernadette, my boys and myself are serving a life sentence since the murder of our beloved Natalie, but hopefully it will serve as a deterrent to help stop violence against women and girls in this country.”

He added: “With respect, we are now asking for some privacy as we continue to grieve.”