A jury at Belfast Crown Court has reached the final stage of the trial over the murder of Natalie McNally. The 32-year-old from Lurgan, who was 15 weeks pregnant, died from being beaten, strangled, and stabbed at her Silverwood Green home between 8:50pm and 9:30pm on December 18, 2022.

Stephen McCullagh, 36, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, faces the murder charge. He denies killing McNally, the mother of his unborn child.

Mr Justice Kinney delivered directions to the jury on Friday as the four-week trial ended its evidence phase. He stated the jurors must assess all evidence heard in court, including witness testimony, CCTV footage, and social media material.

The judge directed the jury to focus solely on McCullagh's guilt or innocence. He noted no forensic evidence at the scene identified the killer. The prosecution relies on circumstantial evidence, such as CCTV of a person of interest in Lisburn and Lurgan that evening.

Prosecutors claim the footage shows McCullagh, who took a taxi from Lurgan to his Lisburn home. The defence contests the footage quality prevents identification.

Mr Justice Kinney likened circumstantial evidence to rope strands. He said jurors must evaluate each strand, accept or reject them, and determine if they collectively prove guilt beyond doubt.

The judge reminded jurors McCullagh did not testify. He will continue directions on Monday before deliberations begin.