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Natalie McNally’s Killer Called Himself a ‘Monster’ in Probation Statements
McCullagh told probation he could not recall the killing and later called the murder of his pregnant partner “horrible, evil and vicious.”
- On Thursday, Stephen McCullagh appeared at Belfast Crown Court for his sentencing hearing following his conviction for murdering his pregnant partner, Natalie McNally, in December 2022.
- Probation reports revealed McCullagh made "self-contradictory" and "incredible" claims, initially insisting he was not guilty before later describing the murder as "evil" and "vicious."
- Prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC argued McCullagh orchestrated a "staged performance" to avoid detection, highlighting the "callous, premeditated nature" of the crime and 48 separate injuries inflicted on McNally.
- Defence barrister John Kearney KC argued for a 15-to-16-year starting point, disputing prosecution claims of "punishment or humiliation," while prosecutors sought a tariff between 27 and 35 years.
- Trial Judge Mr Justice Kinney will impose the final prison tariff on June 3, with probation assessments indicating McCullagh requires "long-term risk management" due to high likelihood of further offending.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 30%
R 20%
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