A court has heard that there was no plan to create an alibi in the case surrounding the murder of Natalie McNally, as proceedings in the trial continue in Belfast.
The claim was made during the ongoing trial of Stephen McCullagh, who is charged with the killing of the 32-year-old woman at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh.
McCullagh denies the charge.
The trial is taking place at Belfast Crown Court, where jurors have been hearing evidence about the events surrounding McNally’s death.
Natalie McNally was found dead at her home in the Silverwood Green area of Lurgan in December 2022. She had been 15 weeks pregnant at the time.
Her death prompted a major investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with detectives carrying out extensive enquiries before charges were brought.
During the trial, the court heard evidence relating to communications and interactions between individuals connected to the case.
One statement presented in court included the assertion that no attempt had been made to plan or organise an alibi.
The comment emerged as part of the detailed examination of the defendant’s account of events.
When defendants choose to give evidence during criminal trials, they may be questioned by both defence and prosecution lawyers about their statements and the timeline of events.
The Natalie McNally case has drawn significant public attention due to the circumstances surrounding her death and the fact that she was pregnant at the time.
Throughout the trial, jurors have heard evidence relating to the investigation, witness accounts and forensic findings.
The prosecution and defence continue to present arguments as the case progresses.
The jury will ultimately be responsible for assessing the evidence and determining whether the charges against the accused have been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Proceedings in the trial are continuing.
