Natalie McNally Murder Trial: Livestream Claimed to Be Fake
The trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend Natalie McNally, has taken a dramatic turn with the presentation of evidence suggesting a fabricated alibi. Belfast Crown Court was shown footage of a livestream purportedly broadcast by McCullagh on the night of the murder, , while McNally was killed at her home in Lurgan, Northern Ireland.
Prosecutors allege that the livestream, advertised as “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream” and lasting six hours, was pre-recorded and broadcast to create the illusion that McCullagh remained at his home in Lisburn during the crucial period. The prosecution contends that McCullagh instead travelled to Lurgan, attacked and killed McNally, and then returned home, attempting to conceal his movements.
The footage, which featured McCullagh playing the video game Grand Theft Auto while consuming alcohol, included instances of him shouting obscenities and aggressively commanding a character in the game to “die.” He joked about “drinking and driving” – clarifying he meant within the game – and stated he hadn’t consumed alcohol in months before drinking a substantial portion of a Guinness.
The court heard that McCullagh, known as Votesaxon07 on YouTube, began the stream wearing a Santa hat and acknowledged potential technical difficulties, stating he wouldn’t be able to respond to live chat or use his phone. He described Grand Theft Auto as a childhood favourite.
The prosecution’s case centers on the assertion that the livestream was a carefully constructed deception. They allege McCullagh disguised himself, took a bus to Lurgan, walked to McNally’s residence, and committed the murder before returning via taxi.
Evidence presented earlier in the trial detailed the brutal nature of the attack on McNally, 32, who was pregnant with McCullagh’s child. State Pathologist Dr. James Lynas testified that her death was caused by compression of the neck, stab wounds to the neck, and blunt force trauma to the head, with extensive bruising and internal injuries. Dr. Lynas also indicated that the foetus likely died as a result of the assault.
The prosecution has characterized the murder as “planned, calculated and premeditated, one which he (McCullagh) hoped to get away with.”
The court also examined WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally in the days leading up to her death. Messages from , were described as friendly and affectionate, discussing work, Christmas decorations, and McNally’s pregnancy. On the day of the murder, , they exchanged messages during the FIFA World Cup final, with McCullagh teasing McNally about arriving at her parents’ house in time for the match. His final message, sent at , stated he was “off to stream the night away,” to which McNally replied, “Good luck, I might have a peek at your livestream later.”
Police investigating the scene found no signs of forced entry, suggesting McNally knew her attacker and willingly allowed them into her home. A knife was recovered from the scene, along with a note detailing McNally’s diabetes and a metal bowl. Photographs of McCullagh’s home were also presented as evidence.
McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, denies the charge of murder. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick Kinney, is expected to last approximately five weeks. A jury of six men and six women has been sworn in to hear the evidence. McCullagh was present in court, seated between two prison guards, while the public gallery was filled with family and friends of Natalie McNally.
The case has drawn significant attention in Northern Ireland, where violent crime is relatively uncommon. The alleged attempt to fabricate an alibi through a livestream adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings, raising questions about premeditation and the lengths to which the accused allegedly went to conceal his actions. The trial continues.