Ex-Boyfriend Accuses Stephen McCullagh of Natalie's Murder
An ex-boyfriend of Natalie McNally has accused Stephen McCullagh of killing the 32-year-old pregnant woman.
McCullagh, 36, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, County Antrim, denies murdering Natalie, who was found dead in her Silverwood Green home in Lurgan on 18 December 2022.
During the trial on Monday, the court heard details of exchanges between Natalie and her former boyfriend, who remains unnamed due to a reporting restriction, in the months preceding her death.
"I am not proud"
"Natalie really was my best friend, and you killed her."
McCullagh had previously told police and Natalie's family that he believed her former boyfriend was responsible for her death.
'The Nicest Girl Ever'
The email and text message exchanges between Natalie and her former boyfriend were presented to Belfast Crown Court.
Some messages contained explicit and violent content but also reflected on the breakdown of their relationship, ongoing communication, and discussions about video games, relationships, and family matters.
"I am not proud of any of this. I definitely took advantage of Natalie. I feel horrible about it."
The former couple continued texting up until the day of Natalie's death.
They discussed the World Cup Final, and he proposed meeting the following morning.
"Natalie was the nicest girl ever, she would have done anything for anybody."
"I wish I'd have been better to her."
"We were two consenting adults. I know they [the texts] don't look good."
