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
The Firm out for revenge after Armagh City attack on alleged enforcer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:07
The North-Armagh crime outfit ‘The Firm’ will take matters into its own hands after convicted double killer Stephen Smith died in January. Smith passed away after a seizure at home but that followed him being injured in…
Turning Point: Widow of Charlie Kirk expected to visit NI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
Erika Kirk is rumoured to be visiting Northern Ireland as part of a tour to recruit young people to the conservative organisation founded by her murdered husband, Charlie Kirk. The organisation started out among conserva…
Lauren Bradford-Clarke: Being Colin Howell’s daughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:40
Lauren Bradford-Clarke grew up believing her mother Lesley had taken her own life before finding out the truth – her father was a murderer. She was told her mum Lesley took her own life, eventually being told it was part…
UVF serial killer supergrass Haddock 'dead man walking' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:27
Former UVF man Mark Haddock has been released from prison in England. A serial killer, Haddock was previously the commander of the notorious Mount Vernon UVF gang. But the loyalist informer has been told he is a ‘dead ma…
Noah Donohoe: More witnesses say they heard ‘screams’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:54
A witness says she heard two screams the night Noah Donohoe went missing. Another witness said he saw a torch light on his window in the early hours of the following morning. The evidence was heard as the inquest into th…
Nama trial: How Frank Cushnahan was cleared of fraud [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
A jury has cleared veteran Belfast business figure Frank Cushnahan of wrong-doing. He had been accused of dishonestly failing to disclose he was in line for millions of pounds from the sale of Nama’s Northern Ireland loa…