The latest development in the case of Natalie McNally's murder has left her family reeling once more. Declan McNally, brother to the 32-year-old victim who was brutally killed while 15 weeks pregnant in December 2022, spoke out against Stephen McCullagh's appeal of his 31-year minimum sentence. The emotional toll on the family is palpable as they face a renewed court process that they had thought had finally come to an end.
McCullagh, aged 36, was handed the significant sentence in June after being found guilty of murdering Natalie at her home in Lurgan. The judge's condemnation of the act as 'cold-blooded and calculated' highlighted the severity and premeditated nature of the crime. The 31-year term represents the minimum period McCullagh must serve before he can be considered for release by parole commissioners.
During his initial arrest, McCullagh claimed to have an alibi, stating that he was live-streaming himself playing video games on YouTube at the time of the murder. However, detectives later discovered that this stream had been pre-recorded four days prior to the killing and broadcast deceptively as if live, a crucial piece of evidence that dismantled his false alibi.
Declan McNally expressed his lack of surprise at the appeal, attributing it to McCullagh's continued lack of remorse. He described the renewed court process as not a 'free hit' for McCullagh but an additional burden for his family, saying, 'It'll just be hanging over us again.' Mr McNally also criticised McCullagh's character, particularly his decision to put the family through a 'horrific trial' despite overwhelming evidence.
Natalie McNally was brutally attacked on 18 December 2022, while watching the World Cup final with her family. A post-mortem examination revealed she suffered a 'prolonged assault', including multiple stab wounds, strangulation, and severe blows to the head. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) confirmed that they had been notified of McCullagh's lodged appeal against his sentence.
The family, who were coincidentally watching the World Cup when informed of the appeal, expressed their frustration with the protracted justice system. Declan McNally highlighted the emotional toll, saying, 'We're in the justice system now three and a half years... It just takes far too long in this country.'
Source: BBC Radio Ulster