Stephen McCullagh Appeals 31-Year Sentence for Natalie McNally's Murder

Stephen McCullagh, convicted of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, has lodged an appeal against his 31-year minimum prison sentence. The 33-year-old was found guilty in February of the premeditated killing, which took place at Ms McNally's home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, County Armagh, in December 2022.

During the trial, the court heard that McCullagh stabbed Ms McNally 11 times. He then orchestrated a complex alibi, live-streaming on YouTube from his parents' home in a calculated attempt to mislead investigators. Justice McNally, during sentencing, stated that McCullagh had shown "not a jot of remorse" for the brutal murder.

The appeal against the length of the sentence has been confirmed by the Court of Appeal. Prosecutors had previously highlighted the aggravated nature of the murder, including the vulnerability of the victim, the use of a weapon, and McCullagh's elaborate attempts to evade responsibility. McCullagh maintains his innocence, despite the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.