The trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of the murder of Natalie McNally, continued Tuesday in Belfast Crown Court with harrowing testimony detailing the extent of the violence inflicted upon the 32-year-old woman, who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. Dr. James Lyness, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, outlined dozens of injuries, painting a picture of a sustained and brutal attack. The case, which has drawn significant attention in Northern Ireland, centers around the events of December 18, 2022, when McNally was found dead in her home in Lurgan.
McCullagh, 36, from Lisburn, Co. Antrim, denies the charge of murder. The prosecution alleges a “planned, calculated, premeditated murder” that McCullagh attempted to conceal, a claim he has not yet addressed in court. The details emerging from the trial offer a stark contrast to that assertion, revealing a scene of extensive trauma. The ongoing proceedings are closely followed by McNally’s family, who were present in court as Dr. Lyness presented his findings.
A Prolonged and Violent Assault
Dr. Lyness testified that Natalie McNally suffered a “prolonged assault,” encompassing multiple blows to the head, strangulation, and stab wounds to the neck. The pathologist detailed the injuries to the jury of six men and six women, describing a complex pattern of trauma. A CT scan was performed to assess internal injuries, and a subsequent re-examination of the body was conducted to fully understand the extent of the damage. The state pathologist characterized the case as “complex,” acknowledging the difficulty in definitively establishing the precise sequence of events.
The cause of death, according to Dr. Lyness, was a combination of compression of the neck, stab wounds to the neck, and blunt force trauma to the head. Dozens of injuries were identified across McNally’s body, including her head, face, neck, mouth, hands, arms, and lower body. Some injuries, the pathologist suggested, could have been defensive wounds, indicating McNally may have attempted to protect herself during the attack. Bruising on the backs of her hands, for example, could have resulted from attempts to ward off blows, or from striking a hard surface.
Injuries Suggest a Struggle
Dr. Lyness noted that Natalie McNally, described as being of “slim” build and approximately 5’6” tall, may have raised her arms in defense. The injuries to her fingertips supported this possibility. He likewise stated that while each of the three primary injuries – strangulation, stabbing, and head trauma – could have individually caused death, it was difficult to exclude the possibility that they collectively contributed to the fatal outcome. Bleeding was observed on the surface of her brain, and the stab wounds were consistent with the use of a bladed weapon, such as a knife recovered from the scene.
When questioned by the defense barrister, John Kearney, regarding the sequence of the attack, Dr. Lyness stated he could not definitively determine which injury occurred first. However, he indicated that death would have occurred “quite rapidly” following a stab wound to the jugular vein. He reiterated his assessment that the attack was “prolonged.”
Emotional Testimony from First Responders
The court also heard testimony from a police constable who was among the first responders to the scene. The officer became emotional while describing the discovery of blood in a dog bowl near Natalie McNally’s body, stating it appeared to have been used to collect the blood. He also observed a “puncture wound” on her neck and found the accused, Stephen McCullagh, in the hallway, visibly distressed and crying, according to the BBC.
The Unborn Child and the Investigation
The trial has also highlighted the tragic loss of Natalie McNally’s unborn child, a baby boy. Dr. Lyness stated it was “likely” the fetus died as a result of the assault. The investigation, led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), continues to gather evidence and build its case against McCullagh. The prosecution maintains that the murder was premeditated, a claim McCullagh has yet to directly address in court.
The case has understandably evoked strong emotions within the community, and the proceedings are being closely watched by those seeking justice for Natalie McNally and her unborn son. The trial is expected to continue, with further evidence and testimony anticipated in the coming days. The next scheduled court date will determine the progression of the case and the potential timeline for a verdict in this deeply troubling matter.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at thehotline.org.
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