McNally murder accused a master manipulator, court told

A antheral accused of the execution of his large spouse successful her Lurgan location has been described successful tribunal arsenic a “particularly skilful and manipulative individual”.

Natalie McNally was 15 weeks large erstwhile she was killed successful December 2022.

Denying bail, Mr Justice O’Hara said Stephen McCullagh of Woodland Gardens successful Lisburn was besides a “master of media manipulation”.

If released, the justice said, the 33-year-old would “inevitably and perchance interfere with witnesses”.

Mr McCullagh appeared successful tribunal successful Belfast connected Friday via video nexus and successful beforehand of a nationalist assemblage filled with Ms McNally's household and friends.

Prosecution barristers told the tribunal Ms McNally’s execution was "executed with a large woody of readying and premeditation, which is highly significant”.

The tribunal heard the lawsuit was “wrapped successful home unit which has go truthful prevalent successful our society”.

The tribunal besides heard astir Mr McCullagh’s net browsing past successful the days earlier Mc McNally was murdered.

A prosecution barrister said the hunt past included “What’s much painful, dying by drowning oregon being burnt alive?” and “Is it highly achy to dice by gunshot than to stabbed successful the heart?”

As bail was denied immoderate radical successful the nationalist assemblage clapped.

Mr Justice O’Hara said: “Stop. I volition wide the court. You are present to witnesser what happens successful tribunal not to enactment successful it.”

The proceedings day has been acceptable for 6 May.