Lisburn Killer Appeals 31-Year Minimum Sentence for Pregnant Partner's Death

A Co Antrim man convicted of murdering his expectant girlfriend has begun legal action to reduce the 31-year minimum prison term set by a Belfast judge.

Lisburn Killer Appeals 31-Year Minimum Sentence for Pregnant Partner's Death

A 36-year-old from Co Antrim is seeking to overturn the minimum incarceration period fixed after he was found guilty of ending the life of his pregnant companion.

Stephen McCullagh, of Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, stood trial at Belfast Crown Court and was convicted by a jury of murdering Natalie McNally at her Lurgan home in December 2022. Ms McNally was 32 and fifteen weeks into her pregnancy.

Mr Justice Patrick Kinney ordered that McCullagh must remain behind bars for no fewer than 31 years before becoming eligible to apply for conditional release. The judge described the killing as a prolonged and vicious attack, adding that the baby Ms McNally was carrying — whom she had named Dean — also died as a consequence.

During the hearings, the court heard how McCullagh attempted to deceive investigators by claiming he was occupied with an online gaming broadcast when the fatal incident occurred. Technical experts later proved the footage had been prerecorded four days prior and was replayed on the night of 18 December to create a false timeline. The judge concluded this ruse was a meticulously arranged component of the defendant's broader scheme.

Authorities in Northern Ireland have confirmed the appeal paperwork has been received.

Full details were reported by RTÉ News.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)