A “so-called” live YouTube gaming stream hosted by Stephen McCullagh, the man accused of murdering his pregnant partner Natalie McNally, was played to jurors at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The footage, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” was recorded days before the December 18, 2022, killing, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors allege McCullagh, 36, “peddled a false alibi” by presenting the stream as live during the period he allegedly committed the murder. He denies the charge. Natalie McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant with a baby boy at the time of her death at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan.
The court heard that McCullagh initially told police he was at home hosting the six-hour live stream from 6pm until midnight on the night of the murder. He was rearrested in late January 2023 and subsequently admitted in a pre-prepared statement on February 2, 2026, that the stream was pre-recorded. He claimed he fell asleep after consuming too much alcohol.
Prosecution barrister Charles MacCreanor presented approximately 90 minutes of the footage to the jury of six men and six women. The recording showed McCullagh drinking Guinness and Baileys whereas 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.”
Throughout the stream, McCullagh swore and shouted frequently, declaring, “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.” He added, “What more could you want for Christmas than an evening with your old friend, Stephen.”
McCullagh expressed frustration with the live chat function, stating he “can’t look at the live chat for some bloody reason” and encouraged viewers to “chat amongst” themselves. He announced his intention to complete the stream at midnight, proclaiming, “It’ll be a really good f***ing Christmas this year.”
WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally in the days leading up to her death were similarly presented to the jury. Hours before the murder, McNally watched the World Cup final at her parents’ home and messaged at 5:55pm, “Argentina win it, I’m crying…” McCullagh responded two minutes later, “Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.” McNally’s final message to him, sent at 5:59pm, read, “Good luck. I might have a peek at your live stream later.”
Further WhatsApp messages sent by McCullagh to McNally on the day after the murder went unanswered. In one message, he apologized for breaking his promise not to drink alcohol during her pregnancy. He wrote at 4:09pm on December 19th, “I love you and I don’t want to do anything to hurt or upset you.” He later expressed “getting a little worried” about her safety when she didn’t reply.
At 9:31pm on December 19th, McCullagh messaged McNally, stating he was going to her house. He also sent messages to a female friend, expressing concern that McNally was not responding and suggesting she may be experiencing a diabetes-related “hypo” attack. He asked his friend to accompany him to McNally’s house, but she declined.
Evidence presented earlier in the trial included a small black-handled knife found beside McNally’s body, as well as a silver dog bowl and a sheet of paper containing information on diabetes, both found near the deceased. A police officer testified on Tuesday that the dog bowl appeared to be filled with blood.
The trial continues.
