Natalie McNally murderer McCullagh gets 31 years

Natalie McNally murderer McCullagh gets 31 years

Author: Belfast Telegraph June 3, 2026 Duration: 17:54

Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release. 

 

32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when she was subjected to a violent attack and murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022. 

 

The judge, Mr Justice Kinney, told McCullagh that he committed a “brutal senseless murder and planned it in remorseless detail.” 

 

“The killing was cold blooded and calculated.” 

 

McCullagh tried to pin the murder on Lewis Jones, Natalie’s ex-partner, after having set up a false alibi.  

 

But the jury rejected that and found McCullagh guilty of the murder at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year. 

 

Kurtis Reid was in court for the tariff hearing.  


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For a clear-eyed look at the politics and people shaping Northern Ireland, turn to The BelTel. This podcast moves beyond the headlines, offering context and depth on the stories dominating the conversation. Regular voices include seasoned journalists like Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen, who bring their sharp analysis and insider perspectives directly to you. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the discussions are timely, informed, and grounded in the region's complex reality. New episodes arrive three times a week, each one serving as an essential briefing that investigates pressing issues, debates differing viewpoints, and informs listeners with nuance. It’s a direct line to the heart of the news from those who know it best. This is a production from the Belfast Telegraph, hosted on Acast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The BelTel
Podcast Episodes
Dig begins for disappeared victim 29-year-old Seamus Maguire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:31
A search has begun near the shores of Lough Neagh for one of the Disappeared. 29-year-old Seamus Maguire is thought to have been killed and secretly buried by republicans 50 years ago. The search operation is on land nea…
Tattle Life: Why the case against gossip site fell apart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:48
Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”. Supporters of the site say it’s free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with the website saying it has a zero-tolerance policy to any abu…
100 years of Fianna Fáil: The highs, the lows, the controversies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
Fianna Fáil has turned the ripe old age of 100. But is the house that Éamon de Valera built in disarray? Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing reckons “they’re a very pale, poor shadow of what they were”…
Noah Donohoe Inquest: Jury shown footage of Noah’s remains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:02
The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe is now in its 15th week. This week the jury has heard evidence from the PSNI officers who found Noah’s remains. It also heard how a senior official went down into the culvert hi…