The trial of a man accused of the murder of Lurgan woman Natalie McNally did not start today (Tuesday) due to legal arguments.
Stephen McCullagh, who turns 36 today and who is from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has denied murdering Ms McNally who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.
He appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court flanked by two prison officers.
Ms McNally (32) sustained fatal stab wounds in her Silverwood Green home in Lurgan on December 18, 2022.
On Monday a jury consisting of six men and six women was sworn in at Belfast Crown Court to preside over the murder trial which is expected to last up to five weeks.
It was anticipated that the prosecution would open its case to the jury today before calling its first evidence.
However, due to legal arguments Mr Justice Kinney sent the 12 jurors home for the day and told them to return to court on Wednesday morning when he said it was “anticipated” that the Crown’s case against McCullagh would be opened.
Before they left, the jurors were again reminded not to carry out any research on the case or discuss it with anyone else.
