Messages Indicate Natalie McNally Contemplated Breakup
Natalie McNally sent a message to a man one week prior to her death indicating she was considering ending her relationship with the man accused of her murder.
Stephen McCullagh, 36, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, County Antrim, denies the murder of his pregnant partner Natalie, who was killed at her Silverwood Green residence in Lurgan on 18 December 2022.
On Friday, the court reviewed transcripts of messages Natalie exchanged with three other men over a six-month period from June to December 2022.
The messages covered topics including Natalie's pregnancy, meetings, and some contained sexual content.
In a conversation dated 11 December 2022, a man identified as Male C asked Natalie if she intended to break up with McCullagh.
"I wouldn't do it before Christmas, that would be mean. I will see how I feel in the New Year. I'll make no rash decisions."
Another correspondent, Male P, inquired about Natalie's relationship status with Stephen.
"Are you and Stephen together?"
Natalie responded:
"We are still figuring it out for now. He's coming to the baby appointments. He's being very good about it.
There is no point in acting like happy families if it's not what I want. I like my independence so right now I'm doing my own thing. I am not rushing into this family set up if it's not what I want."
Within the messages, Natalie confirmed her due date as 8 June 2023.
Male B commented on her pregnancy:
"Just think next Christmas you'll be a mum. How cool."
Natalie replied:
"I know, so exciting. My family are over the moon."
She also expressed her feelings about pregnancy:
"I loved being pregnant. It all felt so natural."
Audio Recording Made in McNally Family Home
The court also heard that Mr. McCullagh made a 39-minute audio recording at Ms. McNally's parents' home a few weeks after her death.
This recording was made two days prior to a rally held in her honor at Lurgan Park on 26 January 2023.
Natalie's sister-in-law, Holly McNally, testified that she recalled McCullagh being present in the McNally family home, then returning 20 minutes later to retrieve his forgotten telephone.
The recording captured conversations of the McNally family that evening.
Searches on Day of Natalie's Death
The court was informed that on 18 December, the day Natalie died, searches were conducted on Mr. McCullagh's computer for bus and train timetables between Lurgan and Dunmurry, Lisburn, and Moira.
