YouTube Stream Described as ‘False Alibi’ in Natalie McNally Murder Trial
A gaming stream hosted by Stephen McCullagh, the man accused of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, has been presented to jurors at Belfast Crown Court. Prosecutors allege the stream was pre-recorded and used to create a false alibi for the night of the murder.
The trial, now in its third day, heard that McCullagh, 36, initially “peddled the live stream as an alibi” before later admitting to police that it had been pre-recorded days prior. He denies the charge of murdering 32-year-old McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant with a baby boy at the time of her death.
The footage, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” shows McCullagh drinking Guinness and Baileys while playing Grand Theft Auto Vice City. He is heard saying, “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.” Approximately 90 minutes of the stream was played for the jury, comprised of six men and six women.
Throughout the stream, McCullagh swore and screamed loudly, describing himself as a “very angry gamer.” Wearing a Santa hat, he greeted viewers, 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 to his YouTube followers that he “can’t look at the live chat for some bloody reason” and requested they “chat amongst” themselves. He stated his intention to end the stream at midnight, declaring, “It’ll be a really good f***ing Christmas this year.”
The court also heard details of WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally in the hours leading up to her death on December 18th, 2022. McNally, having watched the World Cup final at her parents’ home, messaged at 5:55 pm, “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, sent at 5:59 pm, read, “Good luck. I might have a peek at your live stream later.”
Further WhatsApp messages sent by McCullagh to McNally the day after the murder went unanswered. In one message, he apologized for breaking his promise not to drink alcohol during her pregnancy, acknowledging he was the father of her unborn child. He wrote, “I love you and I don’t want to do anything to hurt or upset you.”
He expressed growing concern as McNally didn’t reply, stating he was “getting a little worried” about her safety. At 9:31 pm, he messaged saying he was going to her house. He also sent messages to a female friend, expressing concern that McNally was unresponsive and may have been experiencing a diabetes-related “hypo” attack. He asked his friend to accompany him to McNally’s house, but she declined.
Evidence presented to the jury included a small black-handed knife found beside McNally’s body, as well as a silver dog bowl and a sheet of paper containing information on diabetes, both found near the deceased. A police officer had previously testified that the dog bowl appeared to be filled with blood.
The time of death has been established as between 8:50 pm and 9:30 pm. McCullagh was initially arrested on the night of the murder, claiming he was at home hosting the six-hour live stream. He was rearrested in late January 2023 and, in a pre-prepared statement on February 2nd, admitted the stream was pre-recorded, stating he had fallen asleep after drinking too much alcohol.
The trial continues.
