Man accused of Natalie McNally murder to stand trial in November
Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed in her home in Lurgan in December 2022
A man is to stand trial this November on a charge of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, it was determined on Friday.
Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed in her home in Lurgan in December 2022.
Stephen McCullagh, formerly of Woodlands Garden in Lisburn but who is now housed in HMP Maghaberry, has been charged with murdering his 32-year-old partner on a date between December 17 and 20, 2022.
The 35-year-old has previously indicated to the court he is pleading not guilty.
A trial date was set for this May but had to be vacated.
The case was listed again today at Belfast Crown Court were a senior judge spoke of the "extreme delay" and said the case should be "given priority."
Mr Justice O'Hara addressed defence barrister Craig Patton and enquired whether all his reports will have been received by the end of September.
After this was confirmed by Mr Patton, Mr Justice O'Hara said he wanted the trial to proceed as soon as possible.
The hearing is expected to last between four and six weeks and he after he told the defence there was to be no "further slippage", Mr Justice O'Hara said: "The trial will start on the 3rd of November."
Friday's hearing concluded when Mr Justice O'Hara said he would review the case on Friday September 12.
Stephen McCullagh and (right) Natalie McNally
News in 90 Seconds - 15th June 2025
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