Natalie McNally's killer called himself a 'monster' in probation statements

Stephen McCullagh was convicted of murdering his 15-week-pregnant partner, Natalie McNally, in December 2022. He had denied the murder charge but was found guilty after a five-week trial. At sentencing, the court heard that he made self-contradictory and incredible statements to his probation officer. He initially insisted he was convinced he was not guilty, then began to suspect he might be responsible. He described the killing as evil and vicious, referred to himself as a monster, and said he was sorry for what he did to Natalie and the family. He also said he would take it back if he could and wanted to be part of the solution and mentor other men, despite earlier blaming her death on her ex-boyfriend. The probation assessment indicated a high likelihood of further offending and no evidence of insight into his behavior.

"A sentencing hearing on Thursday was told McCullagh made "self-contradictory" and "incredible" statements to his probation officer, first insisting he "was convinced that he was not guilty of the murder". The probation officer further noted McCullagh described the murder as "evil" and "vicious", and referred to himself as "a monster", the court heard. He also said: "I'm sorry for what I did to that poor family, what I did to Natalie," and "I would take it back if I could.""

"Prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC said: "When the jury came back so quickly, he only then began to suspect that he might be responsible, although he cannot make sense of the murder." Speaking of Ms McNally, McCullagh went on to say: "I don't remember feeling the need for her to die," according to the probation report. McCullagh reportedly stated he "wants to be part of the solution" and "to be a mentor for other men", which prosecution said goes against the murderer's initial blaming of Natalie's death on her ex-boyfriend."

""He was assessed as causing a high likelihood of further offending," Mr MacCreanor said, citing the probation report. "There is no evidence of any insight into his behaviour." "He will re""

Read at Irish Independent