Natalie McNally's dad says his family is serving a ‘life sentence’ since beloved mum-to-be was murdered
Natalie McNally’s father Noel said he and his family are themselves serving a life sentence as a result of her murder.
Speaking after Stephen McCullagh was sentenced to a minimum of 31 years for the brutal and premeditated murder of the mum-to-be, Mr McNally said they hoped the sentence would serve to deter others from violence against women and girls.
Reading a family statement to the media gathered outside Belfast Crown Court, Mr McNally said: “Over the past three and a half years, our family have been through unimaginable pain and grief from the loss of our beautiful Natalie.
"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.
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"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.
"With respect, we are now asking for some privacy as we continue to grieve.”
As he imposed the tariff on McCullagh, Mr Justice Kinney paid tribute to the McNally family for the integrity and dignity they showed throughout the judicial proceedings.
"They eluded a quiet dignity throughout the trial ... and were an essential part in ensuring justice was obtained for Natalie,” he said.