Stephen McCullagh: Jury sworn in for trial of man accused of murdering Natalie McNally in Lurgan
The trial of alleged killer Stephen McCullagh, accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend Natalie McNally, is to formally open on his birthday.
Swearing in the jury at Belfast Crown Court on Monday, trial judge Mr Justice Kinney warned them that although aspects of the case could be distressing, nevertheless serving on the jury “is an important public duty”.
"Perhaps it may be the most important public duty for some of you in your lives,” he told the jury.
McCullagh, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, who turns 36 on Tuesday, is accused of murdering 32-year-old mum-to-be Natalie on a date unknown between December 17-18, 2022.
Despite industrial action being taken by criminal barristers in a dispute over legal aid fees, the case against McCullagh has been granted exemption.
Previous courts have heard that Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant with McCullagh’s child when she was stabbed in her home on Silverwood Green in Lurgan on December 18.
In court on Monday, McCullagh, wearing a grey jumper and with relatives of his alleged victim filling the public gallery of court 13 at the Laganside court complex, confirmed to the court clerk that he was ready for his trial.
He also confirmed that if any jurors were to be challenged, he would leave that to his solicitor.
Swearing in the jury, Mr Justice Kinney told them that with the trial estimated to last around five weeks, they would hear evidence from a number of Natalie’s relatives including her parents, brothers, an aunt and a cousin.
Emphasising that it was important the jury who hears the case do not know anything about the case, the judge told them McCullagh had worked for the Belfast Telegraph and that “he is known as a YouTuber”.
Natalie, he told the jury, had studied law at Queen’s University having attended primary and secondary schools in the Lurgan area.
Mr Justice Kinney warned the jury they would be shown images taken from the scene of the murder, and while they would not see Natalie’s body, “we understand and accept that is a matter of some sensitivity and that is a matter that some may find distressing”.
With 12 jurors sworn and three held in reserve, the judge told them the case will not be formally opened until Tuesday.
Releasing the jury and asking them to come back tomorrow, Mr Justice Kinney stressed to them not to conduct their own enquiries or research.
He also ordered them not to talk about the case, highlighting that in accordance with their oath or affirmation, they would decide the case “solely on the evidence you hear in this court as the trial unfolds”.