Accused Details Alleged Harassment by Victim's Ex-Boyfriend
The man accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend informed police during an interview that her former partner was "harassing" her in the days prior to her death.
Stephen McCullagh, 36, residing in Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, County Antrim, has denied the murder of Natalie McNally, who was fatally attacked at her Silverwood Green residence in Lurgan on 18 December 2022.
Police Interview Reveals Claims of Harassment
During a police interview conducted on Monday, 20 December 2022, McCullagh predominantly responded with "no comment". However, when questioned about whether Natalie had "experienced problems with any other people?" he provided further information.
He told police that her ex partner was "calling her in the middle of the night from private numbers".
He said "he emailed her a bunch of abuse" and that Natalie had "him blocked on everything" but he "created a new email and messaged her".
McCullagh characterized the ex-boyfriend as "aggressive and abusive," adding that "she was always upset to hear from him." He also stated that the ex had last contacted Natalie on Thursday, 15 December, continuing into the following morning.
McCullagh told police that the ex-boyfriend "repeatedly, about two or three times" called Natalie that evening.
He said she answered the first call, then put her phone on silent.
Creation of Timeline Document After Interview
The court was informed that McCullagh compiled a timeline on a word processing document following his police interview.
Detective Constable Matthews, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) cyber unit, testified that the document titled "Natalie timeline" was created on 20 December, subsequent to McCullagh's interview.
Within this document, McCullagh recorded the moment he discovered Natalie's body.
He said: "Blood everywhere. Cold to touch. No pulse. Face down in a dog bowl. Blue lips".
McCullagh then documented his actions of calling emergency services and performing CPR on Natalie prior to their arrival.
