The trial of a man accused of murdering his pregnant partner in her Lurgan home almost three years ago has been delayed until the New Year.
On Monday, at Belfast Crown Court, Stephen McCullagh, of Woodland Gardens, Derriaghy, was due to go on trial for the murder of 32-year-old Natalie McNally in Silverwood Green on December 18, 2022, however, the court heard from defence barrister John Kearney KC that “an issue which has recently arisen” was going to impact the “readiness of the trial”.
Mr Justice Kinney granted an adjournment until Wednesday morning (November 5), allowing McCullagh’s defence team to engage in a lengthy consultation with the accused.
Again, members of Ms McNally’s family were in attendance for Wednesday’s hearing which again heard from Mr Kearney who – during lengthy legal arguments – requested a more substantial adjournment.
After more than an hour of deliberations Mr Justice Kinney reluctantly agreed to the defence’s adjournment application.
The judge described his “disappointment and frustration” that the case was not in a position to proceed but accepted there was a need for an adjournment, in particular, to ensure a fair trial for all involved, including the McNally family.
“I am satisfied the defence require an opportunity to properly examine and test the new materials on the evidence they have been provided with late in the day,” he said.
Mr Justice Kinney listed the case for trial on January 26 with a review hearing scheduled for November 18.
