Natalie McNally family praised for 'incredible grace' after Stephen McCullough found guilty of her murder

Upper Bann MLA and Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie said the murder of Natalie by McCullagh was “an appalling crime that shocked both the local community and Northern Ireland society in general”.

The family have had to endure “a difficult trial” where details of her injuries were laid out in detail - as well as the loss of a much loved daughter and her unborn child, he said.

“Stephen McCullagh has shown himself to be a callous murderer and his actions were premeditated and planned in callous detail.

“His actions have heaped untold suffering on the family of Natalie who must now navigate life without a much loved daughter and sister.”

He welcomed the outcome of this case and affirmed the work of the police, prosecutors, judge, and jury.

"Most of all I would like to commend the McNally family who have shown incredible grace, dignity, and courage throughout these difficult months,” he said.

"We now await to see what sentence McCullagh will receive and hope that his punishment doesn't just match his crime but acts as a deterrent to others who feel they could get away with murder.”

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP also paid tribute to Natalie’s family.

“The thoughts of everyone in the SDLP and across Northern Ireland are with the McNally family today,” she said.

"They have endured the most unimaginable loss and have carried themselves with strength and quiet dignity throughout, earning respect and admiration.”

To lose a child, a sister or a friend in these circumstances is “beyond comprehension,” she added.

"While no outcome can undo what has happened, I hope that the conviction offers some measure of justice and a degree of comfort to Natalie’s family.

"In cases like this, it is vital that justice is both done and seen to be done.”

The issue of violence against women and girls is “a wider societal problem that must be confronted” and requires “sustained action” to ensure that no other family has to endure such pain and loss, she added.

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson MLA Emma Sheerin also paid tribute to the family and friends of Natalie McNally. “My thoughts are with the family and friends of Natalie McNally today,” she said.

“I want to pay tribute to the strength, courage, and resilience they have displayed over the past few years; it has been extraordinary and an inspiration for so many.

"But nobody should ever have to go what they have went through.

“There is an onus on us all now to do everything we can to end violence against women and girls."