Natalie McNally: Murder trial jury shown Stephen McCullagh's 'so-called' live stream
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The jury in the Natalie McNally murder trial has been shown a video that prosecutors claim was pre-recorded by Stephen McCullagh, the accused, who initially presented it as a live stream to establish an alibi. Natalie McNally, 32 and 15 weeks pregnant with a baby boy, died at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, in December 2022. During the trial, McCullagh, 36, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, denied murdering McNally. The court heard that the video, whichMcCullagh referred to as a "live stream," was later admitted by him to police as being pre-recorded days before.
The purported live stream showed McCullagh wearing a Santa hat, drinking alcohol, and making various statements to his followers. He claimed he couldn’t check the live chat, asked viewers to “chat amongst” themselves, and mentioned that it was a Sunday night when he wanted to “chill out.” The video also included a brief appearance of a James Bond film poster and McCullagh telling viewers that while he was an angry drunk, in real life, he described himself as an “absolute sweetheart.”
In addition to the video evidence, the jury was shown items found near Natalie McNally’s body after her death, including a small black-handled knife, a piece of paper with diabetes-related information, and a silver metal dog bowl. The court also heard WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and Natalie in the days leading up to her death. In one message, McCullagh wrote, “right I'm off to stream the night away,” to which she replied, “Good luck, might have a sneak peek later.”
The trial has highlighted the intersection of digital evidence and criminal proceedings, with the pre-recorded video serving as a key piece of evidence in the case. The jury will need to weigh this evidence alongside other details presented during the trial to determine McCullagh’s guilt or innocence. The case underscores the importance of thorough investigation into digital alibis and the use of technology in criminal trials, making it a significant story for those interested in justice and legal developments globally.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026