The family of murdered pregnant woman Natalie McNally says it has been forced to relive its trauma after learning that her killer is seeking to reduce the minimum prison term imposed for the crime.
Natalie’s brother, Declan McNally, described the appeal as another painful setback, saying the family had hoped the legal proceedings were finally behind them following last month’s sentencing.
Convicted Killer Seeks to Reduce Sentence
Stephen McCullagh, 36, has lodged an appeal against the 31-year minimum tariff attached to the life sentence he received for murdering his partner in December 2022.
The appeal was formally communicated to Natalie McNally’s family by Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service, which informed them that legal proceedings would continue as the case returns to court.
McCullagh was convicted after a jury found him guilty of killing Ms. McNally at her home in Lurgan.
Brutal Murder Shocked the Community
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Natalie McNally suffered an exceptionally violent and sustained attack before her death.
A post-mortem examination concluded that she endured multiple stab wounds, strangulation, and repeated blows to the head in what medical experts described as a prolonged assault.
The murder occurred while Ms. McNally was pregnant, adding to the devastating impact of the crime on her family and the wider community.
Elaborate Alibi Failed to Fool Investigators
During the investigation, prosecutors demonstrated that McCullagh had attempted to distance himself from the killing by creating a false alibi.
He staged a YouTube gaming livestream in an effort to make it appear that he was elsewhere when Natalie was attacked.
Investigators later uncovered the deception, and the fabricated online activity became a significant part of the prosecution’s case.
Brother Says Family Has Been “Retraumatised”
Speaking after news of the appeal emerged, Declan McNally said the latest development had reopened emotional wounds for the family.
He explained that although his parents have shown remarkable resilience throughout the investigation and trial, they should not have to repeatedly endure the stress of ongoing court proceedings.
According to him, the family had hoped the sentencing would mark the beginning of a quieter period in which they could focus on grieving without further legal uncertainty.
No Remorse Shown, Says Brother
Declan McNally was also critical of McCullagh’s decision to challenge the sentence, arguing that the convicted killer has consistently failed to show remorse or accept responsibility for his actions.
He said the appeal reflects the same attitude displayed before, during, and after the trial, describing it as astonishing that someone convicted of such a crime would now seek a shorter prison term.
The family now faces another period of waiting while a date is set for the appeal hearing.
Family Believes Sentence Should Be Increased
Rather than reducing the sentence, Declan McNally believes the punishment should be even more severe.
He argued that McCullagh has nothing to lose by appealing, while the emotional burden falls entirely on the victim’s loved ones, who must once again revisit the case in court.
Reflecting on the timing, he noted that Natalie was murdered during the previous FIFA World Cup final and that, as another tournament unfolds, the family is still dealing with legal proceedings connected to her death.
For Declan McNally, the outcome he believes would deliver justice is clear.
He said the convicted murderer should never be released from prison, insisting that the seriousness of the crime warrants a lifetime behind bars.
