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Belfast Crown Court is hearing evidence in the trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally. Prosecutors allege that McCullagh attempted to create a false alibi by staging a lengthy, pre-recorded gaming stream on the night of the killing. The case centers around the death of 32-year-old McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant with a baby boy when she was found dead at her home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022.
The prosecution contends that McCullagh deliberately misled investigators by claiming he was live-streaming a gaming session for six hours on the night of the murder. This alleged deception, they argue, was an attempt to distance himself from the crime scene and create the impression he was elsewhere. The trial is expected to last around five weeks, with a jury of six men and six women hearing evidence before Judge Mr Justice Patrick Kinney.
Central to the prosecution’s case is a “so-called” live YouTube gaming stream, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” which McCullagh hosted. Evidence presented to the court revealed the stream was, in fact, recorded days prior to the murder. McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, Co Antrim, denies the charge of murder.
The Alleged False Alibi
On Wednesday, a portion of the pre-recorded stream was played for the jury. The footage showed McCullagh consuming Guinness and Baileys while playing Grand Theft Auto Vice City. During the stream, he made statements such as, “I’m going to drink during this live stream… I’m going to drink and drive in the game,” and “I’m not leaving the house tonight.” He likewise engaged in loud swearing and screaming, describing himself as “a very angry gamer.”
Introducing the stream while wearing a Santa hat, McCullagh greeted his YouTube followers, saying, “Hey and we’re live…hello, hello to all on this glorious Sunday evening. Yeah, I just thought, why not, I’m going to do a live stream because this day next week is Christmas.” He added, “What more could you want for Christmas than an evening with your old friend, Stephen.” He acknowledged difficulties with the live chat function, asking viewers to “chat amongst” themselves and stating he would “call it a night” at midnight, declaring, “It’ll be a really good f***ing Christmas this year.”
Footage has been played in court of a ‘live stream’ hosted by a man accused of murdering Natalie McNally in Armagh. Prosecutors allege the stream was a ‘false alibi’ pic.twitter.com/iReiLt6MkL
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) February 25, 2026
McCullagh initially told police he was hosting the six-hour live stream from 6 p.m. To midnight on the night of the murder. However, he was rearrested in late January 2023 and subsequently admitted in a pre-prepared statement on February 2nd that the stream was pre-recorded, stating he had fallen asleep after consuming too much alcohol.
Final Communications and Evidence Presented
WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally in the days leading up to her death were also presented to the court. Hours before the murder, McNally, having watched the World Cup final with her parents, messaged at 5:55 p.m., “Argentina win it, I’m crying…” McCullagh responded two minutes later, “Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.” McNally’s final message to him, sent at 5:59 p.m., read, “Good luck. I might have a peek at your live stream later.”
Messages sent by McCullagh to McNally the day after the murder went unanswered. In one message, he apologized for breaking a promise not to drink alcohol during her pregnancy, writing, “I love you and I don’t want to do anything to hurt or upset you.” He expressed growing concern for her safety when she didn’t reply, messaging at 9:31 p.m. To say he was going to her house. He also contacted a female friend, expressing worry that McNally was unresponsive and may have been experiencing a diabetes-related “hypo” attack, asking her to accompany him to McNally’s home, but she declined.
Physical evidence presented to the jury included a small black-handed knife found near McNally’s body, as well as a silver dog bowl and a sheet of paper containing information on diabetes, both discovered close to the deceased. A police officer testified on Tuesday that the dog bowl appeared to be filled with blood.
The estimated time of death for Natalie McNally is between 8:50 p.m. And 9:30 p.m. On December 18, 2022.
What’s Next in the Trial
The trial continues as the prosecution presents its case against Stephen McCullagh. The focus remains on establishing whether McCullagh intentionally fabricated an alibi to conceal his involvement in Natalie McNally’s death. Further evidence and testimony are expected to be presented in the coming weeks as the jury deliberates on the facts of the case.
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