Jurors in the Belfast Crown Court have been shown footage from a “so-called” live YouTube gaming stream hosted by Stephen McCullagh, who is accused of murdering his pregnant partner, Natalie McNally. The stream was allegedly used by McCullagh to create a false alibi during the time of the murder.
Natalie McNally Murder Trial: Gaming Stream Presented as Evidence
The footage, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” was played on the third day of the trial. McCullagh (36), from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, Co Antrim, was present in the dock as the recording from the evening of the murder was shown.
Prosecutors stated the footage was recorded days prior to the killing and was used by the defendant to “peddle a false alibi” by appearing to game during the period he allegedly committed the crime. McCullagh denies the charge.
Natalie McNally (32) was killed at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan on December 18th, 2022, while 15 weeks’ pregnant with a baby boy. The time of death was determined to be between 8:50 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Following his initial arrest on the night of the murder, McCullagh told police he was at home hosting a six-hour live stream from 6 p.m. to midnight. He was rearrested in late January 2023 and subsequently admitted in a pre-prepared statement on February 2nd that the stream was pre-recorded.
He claimed he fell asleep after consuming too much alcohol on the night of the killing.
Stream Content Details
The footage showed McCullagh drinking Guinness and Baileys while playing Grand Theft Auto Vice City. He stated during the stream, “I’m going to drink during this live stream … I’m going to drink and drive in the game. I’m not leaving the house tonight.”
Approximately 90 minutes of the stream was played for the jury, which consists of six men and six women. McCullagh reportedly swore and screamed loudly throughout the recording, stating, “I’m a very angry gamer by the way.”
Wearing a Santa hat, he introduced the stream saying, “Hey and we’re live…hello, hello to all on this glorious Sunday evening. Yeah, I just thought, why not, I’m going to do a live stream because this day next week is Christmas. What more could you want for Christmas than an evening with your old friend, Stephen.”
He noted he “can’t look at the live chat for some bloody reason” and asked viewers to “chat amongst” themselves, adding he would “call it a night” at midnight. He also stated, “It’ll be a really good f***ing Christmas this year.”
WhatsApp Messages Reveal Final Communications
WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally in the days leading up to her death were also presented to the jury. Hours before the murder, McNally watched the World Cup final at her parents’ home and messaged at 5:55 p.m., “Argentina win it, I’m crying…”
Two minutes later, McCullagh replied, “Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.” McNally’s last message to him, sent at 5:59 p.m., read, “Good luck. I might have a peek at your live stream later.”
Further WhatsApp messages sent by McCullagh to McNally the day after the murder were read, but went unanswered. In one message, he apologized for breaking his promise not to drink alcohol during her pregnancy, stating he was the father of her unborn child.
“I love you and I don’t want to do anything to hurt or upset you,” he wrote at 4:09 p.m. on Monday, December 19th. He expressed concern for her safety when she didn’t respond and at 9:31 p.m. messaged that he was going to her house.
He also sent messages to a female friend, expressing concern that McNally was not responding and may be unwell or experiencing a diabetes-related “hypo” attack. He asked the friend to accompany him to McNally’s house, but she declined.
Evidence Presented in Court
A small black-handed knife found beside McNally’s body at the murder scene was shown to the jury, as were a silver dog bowl and a sheet of paper containing information on diabetes, both found near the deceased’s body. A police officer had previously described the bowl as appearing to be filled with blood.
The trial continues.
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