CRAIGAVON, Northern Ireland — In a chilling display of cold-hearted deflection, convicted murderer Stephen McCullagh repeatedly tried to justify slaughtering his pregnant girlfriend Natalie McNally by claiming she had been secretly texting her ex-boyfriend and planning to leave him — exposing a toxic storm of jealousy and control that prosecutors say drove him to commit one of the most shocking domestic killings in recent Northern Ireland history.

Standing in the dock at Craigavon Crown Court during his sentencing hearing on March 24, 2026, the 36-year-old showed little remorse as he launched into a self-serving monologue, blaming the 29-year-old victim for “pushing him” to the point of murder. McCullagh, already unanimously convicted of Natalie’s brutal stabbing and beating death in December 2022, told the court that discovering messages between Natalie and her former partner had triggered “uncontrollable” jealousy that made him lose control.

“She was texting her ex and planning to leave me,” McCullagh said, his voice rising with indignation. “I found out she was talking to him behind my back. She was going to take everything from me — including the baby.”

The courtroom fell into stunned silence as the killer continued his twisted justification, claiming Natalie’s alleged secret communications had left him feeling “betrayed” and “worthless.” Prosecutors had earlier painted a very different picture: a controlling, possessive man who could not accept that Natalie wanted to end their volatile relationship while she was 15 weeks pregnant with their child.

The brutal attack took place on the night of December 18, 2022, inside Natalie’s home in the Silverwood area of Lurgan. McCullagh allegedly travelled there after staging an elaborate fake gaming livestream alibi, then carried out a ferocious and sustained assault. Natalie suffered multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma before being left to die. Their unborn baby girl also perished in the attack.

During the trial, the jury heard how McCullagh had gone to extraordinary lengths to create a false alibi, pre-recording six hours of himself playing video games and then broadcasting it as a “live” stream on the night of the murder. The sophisticated digital deception was dismantled by police digital forensic experts, who proved the entire session had been recorded days earlier.

Now, in the sentencing phase, McCullagh’s own words have only strengthened the case against him. His repeated attempts to shift blame onto Natalie — claiming her supposed contact with an ex-partner justified the violence — have been described by legal observers as “chilling” and “deeply disturbing.” Crown counsel told the court that McCullagh’s jealousy was not a mitigating factor but a clear aggravating one, demonstrating a pattern of coercive and possessive behaviour.

Natalie’s devastated family sat in court as McCullagh spoke. Many openly wept as he continued to portray himself as the victim of her alleged betrayal. Natalie’s mother later described his comments as “disgusting” and “an insult to my daughter’s memory.”

“She was a beautiful, kind young woman who was excited about becoming a mother,” the family said in a statement. “Stephen McCullagh didn’t just take Natalie from us — he took our granddaughter too. His attempt to blame her for his own actions shows exactly the kind of man he is.”

The case has reignited painful conversations about domestic violence, coercive control, and femicide in Northern Ireland. Campaigners say McCullagh’s courtroom justification mirrors the excuses used by many abusers who try to shift responsibility onto their victims. “Jealousy is not a defence — it is a warning sign,” one leading women’s rights advocate said. “Natalie was trying to leave a toxic relationship while carrying his child. Instead of accepting that, he chose violence.”

McCullagh now faces a mandatory life sentence. The judge is expected to set a minimum tariff in the coming days, taking into account the premeditated nature of the crime, the use of a sophisticated fake alibi, and the fact that he murdered a pregnant woman and their unborn child. Legal experts predict the tariff will be significantly higher than the standard 15-20 years due to the aggravating factors.

Outside the court, supporters of Natalie’s family held placards reading “Justice for Natalie and Her Baby” and “No Excuses for Domestic Violence.” The community of Lurgan, still reeling from the brutal killing more than three years ago, gathered in quiet solidarity.

The murder of Natalie McNally has left an indelible scar on everyone who knew her. She was remembered as a joyful, caring young woman who was “excited beyond words” about becoming a mother. Friends described her as someone who lit up every room she entered and who had so much love to give.

Her death — and the death of her unborn daughter — has become a symbol of the devastating cost of unchecked jealousy and possessive behaviour. As McCullagh awaits his final sentencing, the words he used to defend the indefensible have only confirmed what the jury already decided: he is a cold, calculating killer who chose violence over love.

A young mother full of hope. An unborn baby girl who never got to take her first breath. A killer who still refuses to accept responsibility.

Stephen McCullagh’s attempt to blame Natalie for her own murder has failed. The court saw through his lies. The family saw through his excuses. And the public has seen the true face of the man who took two innocent lives in a jealous rage.

Justice has been served — but for Natalie’s loved ones, no sentence will ever be long enough to heal the pain of losing both a daughter and a granddaughter in one night of unimaginable brutality.