The trial of a man accused of murdering Co Armagh mother-to-be Natalie McNally has been delayed until Wednesday – at the earliest.
Members of Ms McNally’s family were present at Belfast Crown Court on Monday morning as 35-year-old Stephen McCullagh, of Woodland Gardens in Derriaghy, appeared in the dock accused of her murder.
The 32-year-old, who was 15-weeks pregnant with a baby boy, was stabbed at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, on the night of December 18, 2022.
McCullagh denies her murder.
It was expected that a 12-person jury was to be sworn in, however, defence barrister John Kearney KC opened proceedings by stating that “an issue which has recently arisen” was going to impact the “readiness of the trial”.
Mr Kearney apologised for having “to indicate that at this stage”, on what was expected to be the opening day of a prolonged trial.
The barrister told Mr Justice O’Hara that “there is a considerable volume of new material which has come our way” before indicting that “a fraction of the material” was 498 pages – pointing to a folder in his possession.
Mr Kearney then alluded to 20,000 to 30,000 pages of material which is “a mammoth task in terms of photocopying, never mind anything else”.
“From our perspective,” said Mr Kearney, “I’ve had the briefest of opportunities to consult with the accused…[however] I require a detailed consultation opportunity.
“It’s our view that we’re talking probably talking somewhere in the region of at least two to three full days.”
Mr Justice O’Hara adjourned the trial until Wednesday morning.
