Live stream 'peddled as an alibi' shown to Natalie McNally murder trial jury

The jury in the Natalie McNally murder trial has been shown a purported YouTube live stream conducted by the accused, which prosecutors say was pre-recorded.

They said Stephen McCullagh, 36, initially "peddled the live stream as an alibi" but the court heard he later admitted to police that it had been pre-recorded days before.

McCullagh, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, County Antrim, has denied murdering the 32-year-old.

She was 15 weeks pregnant with a baby boy when she died at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, in December 2022.

Before the video was played to the jury, prosecution barrister Charles MacCreanor KC said "let's play the live stream or so called live stream" to the jury.

McCullagh wore a Santa hat and drank alcohol throughout the stream.

He is heard saying that he "couldn't check the live chat" and asked the followers to "chat amongst" themselves.

McCullagh said he was going to drink alcohol and told his followers he promised people he would not drink, but that it was "a Sunday night" and he "wanted a chance to chill out".

He then opens a can of alcohol and tells the camera: "I am not leaving the house tonight."

During the video, McCullagh said: "I've realised I'm a really angry drunk. But in real life I'm an absolute sweetheart."

For about five seconds a poster for the James Bond film No Time To Die appears.

McCullagh then appears back on screen and continues to play, telling viewers: "I don't have too many loved ones in my life but the ones I do, I love with all my heart."

Throughout the video, McCullagh tells the camera he is a "very angry gamer".

Earlier, the jury of six men and six women were shown items removed from Natalie's home in the aftermath of her death, including a small black-handled knife found at the scene beside her.

They were also shown a piece of paper, which contained information on diabetes, and a silver metal dog bowl, all found close to Natalie's body.

Det Sgt Stewart held up the evidence to show the court and then it was passed to the jury to examine.

The jury was also shown photographs from inside and outside the defendant's home and heard WhatsApp messages exchanged between Natalie and McCullagh in the days leading up to her death.

In one message McCullagh said "right I'm off to stream the night away", to which she replied: "Good luck, might have a sneak peek later."