Stephen McCullagh declined to give evidence or call witnesses on Monday at Belfast Crown Court in the trial for the murder of Natalie McNally. The 36-year-old from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn faces the charge over the death of the 32-year-old, who was 15 weeks pregnant when killed at her Silverwood Green home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022. McCullagh denies the accusation.

The prosecution concluded its case after the final witness and agreed facts were presented to the jury of six men and six women. Crown barrister Charles MacCreanor KC informed Mr Justice Kinney that the Crown's evidence had ended. The judge told the jury no further prosecution evidence would come and asked defence barrister John Kearney KC if McCullagh had been advised of his right to testify.

Mr Kearney confirmed the advice had been given and stated no evidence would be called for the defence. Mr Justice Kinney informed the jury of this and said closing submissions from both sides would follow, along with his directions. The trial, in its fourth week, resumes Wednesday after a break for St Patrick's Day.

Earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness faced cross-examination on a 498-page record of WhatsApp messages between McNally and McCullagh. The exchanges ran from August 7 to December 19, 2022, covering 133 days of their relationship after meeting on a dating app. Kearney noted the messages started with plans for a first date in Belfast and included daily topics like pets, food, work, and outings.

In October 2022, McNally informed McCullagh of her pregnancy. Messages then covered living plans, baby scans, and references to the unborn child. The detective confirmed no arguments, abuse, or violence appeared in the communications. He described them as banal with a lack of real affection but agreed they differed greatly from McNally's exchanges with an ex-boyfriend.

Kearney highlighted messages with expressions of love and excitement about the baby. McGuinness confirmed additional messages about walks and walking McNally's dog. Agreed facts included McCullagh having no prior convictions.