Natalie McNally: Pathologist tells trial victim suffered 'prolonged assault'

Natalie McNally suffered a violent and sustained attack that resulted in multiple stab wounds, strangulation, and numerous severe blows to the head, according to testimony presented during the trial of the man charged with her murder. The autopsy, performed by state pathologist Dr James Lyness, revealed a multitude of injuries including damage to her head, face, neck, chest, and limbs.

At the time of her death, Natalie, aged 32, was 15 weeks pregnant and was found deceased at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, in December 2022. Stephen McCullagh, 36, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, stands accused of her murder but denies the charge. During the trial at Belfast Crown Court, Dr Lyness described the case as “complex” and noted the difficulty in pinpointing the exact cause of death due to the severity and range of injuries.

Among the injuries noted were bruises, lacerations, abrasions, and evidence of bleeding around Natalie’s brain. The pathologist also pointed out marks on her hands that could have been caused by defensive actions, such as attempting to throw a punch. Lyness told the court that either the neck compression or the stab wounds alone might have been fatal, and he could not rule out that the multiple head injuries contributed to her death as well.

Evidence heard in court also included testimony from police officers who attended the scene. One constable, who arrested McCullagh and recorded the arrest on his body camera, shared footage capturing McCullagh’s confused response when cautioned about the murder investigation, saying, “Murder – why?” A police sergeant who arrived at the address after a 999 call described finding Natalie lying partly in the living room and hallway, with visible blood around her neck and a puncture wound. He also noted a silver dog bowl near her head that appeared to have collected blood, a black-handled knife visible from the top of the stairs, and blood splattered on the lower part of the wall nearby

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