When the Cheltenham Festival begins, the bookmakers are terrified of a Willie Mullins first-day treble of Mighty Park, Kopek Des Bordes and Lossiemouth in the Unibet Champion Hurdle. While I believe Mullins will win the big one, it may be with his second string, Poniros, the shock 100-1 winner of last year’s Triumph Hurdle on his first ever start over hurdles.

The grey mare Lossiemouth is seeking her fourth straight Festival win having started by taking the Triumph and then a brace of 2½-mile mares’ hurdles. Whether two miles is still her optimum will become clear on Tuesday but it is worth the shot.

The best of our tips are below. For more, read Charlie Brooks’ report from a pub in nearby Oddington, where trainers including Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson gave their tips.

Cheltenham Festival day 1 tips and results

1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )

• Marlborough’s tip: Old Park Star
  Three from three over hurdles and has looked a top-class prospect. Has the attributes to take plenty of beating here.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Sober Glory
  Front runner who won last time in race two seconds quicker than a horse on the same card, Tutti Quanti, which has been supplemented for the Champion. May take some passing.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: El Cairos
  The vibes coming out of Gordon Elliott’s yard about the quality of this horse are too strong to ignore. They are already talking about the Champion Hurdle next year.

2.00: Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

• Marlborough’s tip: Lulamba
  Has a negative stat against five-year-olds in this race to overcome, otherwise has looked top-class from day one and can prove well up to this task.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Steel Ally
  Fantastic jumper who is unbeaten in three starts over fences this season, might pay to look beyond the so-called match between the top two.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Kopek Des Bordes
  Might be Willie Mullins’s banker of the week and Lulamba probably wants two-and-a-half miles.

2.40: McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

• Marlborough’s tip: Mustang Du Breuil 
  Beaten favourite in the Adonis Hurdle and comes forward here off a good-looking mark. Most unexposed still and can feature in a wide-open race.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Manlaga
  Got some good match practice winning with a degree of comfort at Haydock last time.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Manlaga
  Bought after winning a hurdle race at Auteuil last March. Looks to have real quality and would probably have run in the Triumph Hurdle if owned by a smaller owner.

3.20: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

• Marlborough’s tip: Jagwar
  Ready winner at the Festival last year and campaign this season looks to have revolved around this year’s meeting. Can relish the step up in trip and take all the beating.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Iroko
  Solid stayer who has been campaigned over shorter this season, his form looks very strong and has form at meeting have won the Martin Pipe.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Iroko
  Class horse in the race – would have had a squeak in the Gold Cup.

4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

• Marlborough’s tip: Poniros
  Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner and remains most unexposed over hurdles. This test could see him come to the fore at the Festival once again.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Poniros
  Shock Triumph Hurdle winner last year, comes in fresh and an outing at Leopardstown should have put him right for this.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Lossiemouth
  I’ve been waiting two years for her to run in this, and she acts well round Cheltenham.

4.40: The Sun Racing Plate (Premier Handicap)

• Marlborough’s tip: Mandara
  Very light campaign so far this season and remains on a very dangerous mark, especially with the cheekpieces being reapplied here.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Down Memory Lane
  Cosy winner of a two and a half mile Listed chase last time, this should be right up his street.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Mandara
  Loved the way he stayed on at Kempton last time; stiffer track will help him.

5.20: National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase

• Marlborough’s tip: Backmersackme
  Good win over an inferior distance at Leopardstown last month. Comes forward on a handicap mark that still looks lenient and should see him take plenty of beating here.
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Grand Geste
  Already a winner over three and a ahlf miles, Joel Parkinson’s first Festival runner could hit the target against more fashionably trained horses unproven at the trip.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Backmersackme
  Very shrewd trainer must think the step up in trip will make a difference.

Runners guide for the Unibet Champion Hurdle

This year’s Champion Hurdle may not be a stellar renewal on paper, but it is a wide-open contest and a fascinating one to boot. Plenty of the horses below come forward with good claims and, in a race that has thrown up a surprise or two in recent times, we could be set for another via the lightly-raced PONIROS, who has been thrown in at the deep end in his three starts over hurdles (all at Grade 1 level), and has emerged with a great deal of credit. Golden Ace and The New Lion are fancied to round out the frame in a race where tactics look sure to play their part.

Alexei – Made excellent progress through the ranks this season and surely has more to offer, for all that this is a big rise in class and will need a clear career-best; place claims.

Anzadam – Young, talented hurdler who has been a keen goer. Should be suited by a good tempo here and fancied to outrun his odds in an open heat.

Poniros – Sprung a surprise in the Triumph last year and just had the one run over hurdles this season. Tough task here but his form suggests he could spring a surprise here; player.

The New Lion – Faller in the Fighting Fifth but back on track last time, for all that the form is short of what is required here. Set to run a career-best, puts him firmly in the mix.

Tutti Quanti – Really stepped his game up last 2 starts, but both were in testing ground and faces very different ground here. Can lead them a fair way here but likely to come up short.

Workahead – Represents another likely pace angle in the race but will do well to be fighting out the finish, with his form falling short in this context; best watched.

Brighterdaysahead – Has the beating of several of these protagonists courtesy of her last start win, but faces quicker ground here and hasn’t saved her best for Cheltenham previously; place chance.

Golden Ace – Ultra-consistent mare who has won at the last 2 Festivals, including this race last year. Hard not to envisage another big run here; major player.

Lossiemouth – Top-class mare who has won at the last 3 Festivals. Arguably has a stronger record over further and could be vulnerable if taken out of her comfort zone, for all that she is the one they all have to beat.

Big-race trends

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
The opening race of the meeting and one that often sets the tone for the week to come. Eleven winners of this race in the last 12 years have been five or six years of age and 11 out of 12 winners were in the top three in the betting. Importantly, 10 of the last 12 winners won their last run before this one. Eleven out of the last 12 winners rated at 147 or higher.

Arkle Novices’ Chase
A race in which it has paid to note the top of the market in recent seasons. Eight of the last 12 winners were favourites and 10 out of 12 winners were in the top three in the betting. Seven of the last 12 winners were trained in Ireland. If there is one race at the Cheltenham where the trends offer up a compelling case for a winner time and again, this is it.

Champion Hurdle
Check the top of the market. Eight of the last 12 winners of the Champion Hurdle have been sent off favourite or joint-favourite, and nine out of 12 winners were in the top three in the betting. As you would expect with the above stat in mind, 11 of the past 12 winners won on their last run prior to the Festival, with the same number having had at least one run at Cheltenham before. Age is also a consideration, with 11 of the last 12 being between six and eight.

Cheltenham Festival day one ground and weather

On Monday the watering system at Cheltenham was in action, showing that after such a wet winter the course still needs a drop of water to prevent it becoming too lively. Certainly the ground will be much quicker than it has been all winter.

As of Monday morning, the going on the Old Course is good to soft. The forecast for the opening day of the festival is dry, with a possibility of showers later in the afternoon.

Betting on Cheltenham?

There’s a lot of competition between bookmakers for customers during the festival and they will often run their best promotions of the year, especially earlier in the week. Take a look at these Cheltenham betting offers to find free bets to use throughout the week.

How to watch Cheltenham Festival day 1

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the first five races of the day on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 12.45pm GMT every day until 5pm GMT. The races can also be streamed via ITVX. There is a preview show each morning from 9am GMT to 10am GMT which is shown on ITV4 and ITVX.

The final two races of each day will not be shown on ITV but will be live on Racing TV. Subscriptions for the channel, which shows every race from the Festival, are available through Sky and Virgin Media and online through its website and app.

Several areas of Scotland are expected to be hit with snow, according to weather maps from WXCharts.

Scotland is set to be hit by heavy snow next week, with weather maps showing a blizzard stretching over 471 miles across the the UK. The weather maps from WXCharts show that areas from Wick in the north to Dundee and Glasgow in the south will be blanketed in snow on March 16, as temperatures are expected to drop to -3C.

The wintry conditions are predicted to begin spreading from 6am on March 15, with snow showers likely in several parts of northern and central Scotland, including Wick, Inverness, Fort William, Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow. The cold snap is expected to intensify as it moves south, leaving large partss of Scotland under layers of snow and potentially causing travel disruption.

Dundee is forecast to be particularly affected, with up to 39cm (15 inches) of snow expected by 6am on March 16. Residents in the impacted areas are being warned to prepare for challenging conditions as the heavy snowfall may affect roads, public transport and daily routines.

The Met Office’s long-range forecast for March 14–23 indicates a mix of changeable weather across the UK. “Mostly changeable through this period, with Atlantic frontal systems passing close to or across the UK at times. These will bring spells of rain and showers, most frequent and heavy in the west or northwest, and perhaps accompanied by strong winds,” the forecast reads.

“However, there should also be some drier interludes under transient ridges of high pressure, with longer dry periods most likely in the south and east, though even here some wet weather is likely at times.”

The Met Office continues: “Temperatures will be near average for the period as a whole, but with some shorter-duration colder interludes at times when frost and hill snow will be possible.

“Later in the period there may be a transition to more blocked or slower evolving weather patterns, though confidence in the detail of this is low.”

While chief operational meteorologist Jason Kelly, who works for the Met Office said: “A notable shift in wind direction to a north-westerly flow will bring a markedly colder day nationwide on Friday, with the potential for a mixture of sunny spells, heavy showers, coastal gales, and snow over high ground.”

He continued: “There’s also the possibility of accumulations on lower hills too. The picture will become clearer closer to the time, so keep an eye on our forecast as the week progresses.”

List of cities in Scotland to be impacted by the weather:

• Wick
• Aberdeen
• Inverness
• Glasgow
• Perth
• Dundee

Scots should stay alert to official weather warnings, monitor updates from the Met Office and check local travel information before setting out. Residents are also advised to prepare for possible travel disruptions, icy roads and difficult conditions in affected areas.

Since the Iran war began on February 28, the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts has increased by 5p to 137.5p, while diesel is up 9p to 151.0p

Drivers are being urged to consider cutting out “non-essential journeys” because fuel prices are expected to rise as the cost of oil soars.

AA president Edmund King, who issued the advice, also suggested motorists should change their driving style to be more fuel efficient.

Oil prices – which have a significant effect on the cost of wholesale fuel – have soared above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 in response to the Middle East conflict.

Since the Iran war began on February 28, the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts has increased by 5p to 137.5p, while diesel is up 9p to 151.0p.

Analysis of the historic link between oil and fuel prices by think tank the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit shows oil trading at 100 dollars a barrel typically results in petrol prices of about 150p per litre, while oil hitting 120 dollars a barrel means petrol prices of about 170p per litre.

Mr King said: “The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil. Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers.

“There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.

“Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak.

“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre. We encourage drivers to continue filling up as normal but to shop around for the best prices.”

Downing Street said the suggestion from the AA about limiting journeys was not linked to any supply shortage. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I understand those comments are more about consumer advice to save money rather than any suggestion that we are low on supply.”

The spokesman added: “We are obviously closely monitoring prices in light of the situation in the Middle East.”

In response to the crisis Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced calls to scrap a planned 5p increase in fuel duty due to be phased in from September. The No 10 spokesman said: “The chancellor keeps all taxes under review and takes decisions at budgets.”

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Allen Karem Chand was shoved into the road where he struck his head, suffering a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain

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A man has pleaded guilty to killing an Army veteran in a random attack after he pushed the grandfather to the ground at a bus stop.

A court heard Muntahar Ahmed grabbed Allen Karem Chand’s walking stick before shoving him off the kerb at around 3.30pm on January 14 last year, reports Birmingham Live.

As 82-year-old victim lay in the road at the bus stop on Soho Road, Handsworth, members of the public rushed to his aid. Tragically, he died in hospital five days later having sustained a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.

It was also heard how Ahmed walked off from the scene, leaving the beloved grandfather in the street.

Officers arrested Ahmed, who had revisited Soho Road, two days after the attack. He was initially charged with wounding which was changed to manslaughter following Mr Chand’s death.

It was established Ahmed and Mr Chand – who had a trolley with him – did not know each other and had made their separate ways to the number 74 bus stop. Within a minute, Ahmed had become violent towards Mr Chand.

Today, Monday, March 9. Ahmed, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court. He will be sentenced at a later date.

In a tribute, Mr Chand’s family said: “Our father was loving, caring, and never deceived anyone. He taught us to respect the law as an ex-army man, and we will always miss him.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus said whoever believes in me, though he may die he shall live. Our father is not physically with us but he is alive with Lord Jesus.”

Det Sgt Joanne Potter, from West Midlands Police’s homicide unit, said: “This was an unnecessary act of violence which led to the tragic death of an 82-year-old man.

“They had been at the same bus stop for less than a minute when Ahmed grabbed at Mr Chand’s walking stick and pushed into the road.

“He sustained serious injuries from which he sadly had little chance of surviving. It remains unclear what prompted this attack, but it’s clear this was not an act of self-defence.

“There was no need for Ahmed to do what he did, and it has ultimately cost an elderly man his life.”

Objections included concerns around environmental impact, noise pollution and increased traffic into the area

A Belfast Eurospar and community hub plans have been approved despite almost 250 objections amid increased lorry traffic “fear”.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee unanimously signed off on the application this week.

The new £6.5million development will include a convenience store and petrol station for the Henderson Group, which currently has 15 similar Eurospar sites in Northern Ireland.

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In chambers a spokesperson for the applicant said:”As this was a local application there had been no public consultation which led to many objections on the planning portal.

“However, following a voluntary public consultation there were only 10 further objections.

“This will mark a £6.5m investment with the opening of a Eurospar and a hub for community use.”

A report in chambers showed there had been “246 objections” to the plans. The development close to the “Ballymaconaghy Road, Belfast” includes a neighbourhood centre with two retail units.

Objections on the Northern Ireland planning portal included concerns around environmental impact, noise pollution and increased traffic into the area.

The committee was told that sound barriers and a planting scheme would be put into place as well as traffic safety measures.

Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney said: “You have said there are 14 other Henderson stores in this council area and I know of one at Fairview.

“There is a fear among people in the area that more lorries could start to use short cuts on the roads through residential areas. Will that happen with this store?”

An agent for the applicant responded: “This would not happen.”

A council officer added: “This area was included in a 1996 master-plan. “The travel routes have been well thought out.”

Castlereagh South Sinn Fein councillor Daniel Bassett asked the developer to consider putting new traffic lights in place.

The chamber heard that further traffic measures were being put in place, including signal traffic lights around a nearby housing development. This was in a second application by PWD Developments Ltd.

The committee approved 26 properties on a site between Brooke Hall and Brooke Hall Heights in Castlereagh. A council officer said: “This is the last piece of the jigsaw for these lands.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Plans lodged with City of York Council would see the rear courtyard of The Little Ale House, in Stonegate, converted into an outdoor drinking area with space for around 50 people.

Owners Harrogate Tipple’s application stated it would bring a space with views of York Minster and the 12th Century Norman House into use for its patrons.

The plans would see the area, which is currently used as a service yard, converted into a landscaped beer garden with an oak-framed outdoor bar.

Plans stated the development would follow the conversion of the upper floors of the Grade II*-listed 46-50, Stonegate into the craft ale bar which opened in December.

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The space previously housed the Little Bettys café which closed in 2021.

Plans for the beer garden would see the existing concrete and asphalt surface of the yard replaced with materials such as stone flags or brick paving.

A dead tree is set to be removed and moveable planters and pots would be put into the garden.

A mix of timber benches, picnic tables and stools would provide seating and festoon and wall-mounted lights would also be installed.

An impression showing how the beer garden planned for The Little Ale House, in Stonegate, York, could look. Picture is from Harrogate Tipple/York Council’s planning portal

The free-standing outdoor bar would be closed by timber cladding beneath a pitched slate roof.

Part of the ruins of the 12th Norman House, which is thought to be the oldest surviving domestic building in York, runs along the side of the courtyard.

Plans stated the conversion would create an exciting space reflecting the traditions of York’s historic courtyard inns.

They added they would have no effect on the Norman House remains bordering the yard.

The application stated: “The existing courtyard is visually unattractive and inaccessible to patrons, yet it enjoys glimpsed views towards York Minster and the Norman House.

“Creating a small beer garden would support the viability of the new business, provide an outdoor meeting space in keeping with York’s tradition of courtyard inns, and give the public the opportunity to appreciate the Norman remains.”

RAF Typhoon jets took out one drone heading to Jordan and intercepted another heading to Bahrain as UK deploys additional air operations experts to the Gulf

RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled overnight to protect two Middle Eastern nations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed. The aircraft destroyed an uncrewed aerial system targeting Jordan and intercepted a drone en route to Bahrain.

Extra air operations specialists have also been sent to the Gulf to maintain “an accurate air picture across the region” and support Britain’s allies with airspace management.

The MoD also confirmed that the RAF is now dispatching planes in defence of the UAE.

The MoD posted on X: “Overnight, RAF Typhoon jets successfully took out an uncrewed aerial system in defence of Jordan and successfully intercepted a drone that was heading in the direction of Bahrain. The UK has begun conducting defensive air sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates.

“To support defensive operations, the UK has deployed additional air operations experts to the Gulf – ensuring an accurate air picture across the region and assisting partners with airspace management.

“The UK has begun conducting defensive air sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates”

Meanwhile, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters have been dispatched to Britain’s Cyprus bases to bolster defensive operations and identify aerial threats, reports the Express.

The MoD continued: “Further Wildcat helicopters have arrived at our bases in Cyprus to support defensive operations in the region. A Merlin helicopter has now arrived in theatre to further strengthen our ability to detect aerial threats.”

This comes after the MoD confirmed yesterday that a deadly drone fired from Iran was disrupted by British fighter jets. RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets successfully intervened and stopped the drone which had been headed towards Iraq.

Meanwhile, the UK has “temporarily” evacuated the dependents of embassy staff in the UAE “as a precautionary measure”, the Foreign Office announced.

The statement read: “Due to the ongoing security situation, as a precautionary measure we have decided to temporarily withdraw the dependents of British Embassy staff from the United Arab Emirates. Our embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate as normal.”

Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that the first US bomber landed at RAF Fairford on Friday, after the UK gave the US permission to use British bases for specific defensive operations.

He told MPs: “I can also confirm to the House that, having given the US the go ahead to use British bases for specific defensive operations into Iran last Sunday, the first US bomber landed at RAF Fairford on Friday”.

He reiterated that these missions are to destroy Iranian missiles at source and are in accordance with international law.

Call the Midwife star Jenny Agutter looks completely different to Sister Julienne in a vintage Instagram photo ahead of the BBC series finale

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Jenny Agutter, star of Call the Midwife, appears strikingly different from her character Sister Julienne in a nostalgic photograph.

The 73-year-old actress has been a staple of the popular BBC period drama since its inception in 2012, portraying the Sister-in-Charge at Nonnatus House.

In the current series, which concludes this weekend, Sister Julienne grapples with significant challenges as Nonnatus House transitions into the 1970s, facing pressure from the council to swap traditional habits for uniforms.

This season has seen more sombre storylines, including a baby abduction in the fourth episode, with Sister Julienne steering the future direction of the order’s missionary work.

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As viewers eagerly anticipate the series finale, an old photo of Jenny has surfaced on an Instagram account named Jenny Agutter News, reports the Mirror.

The TV star can be seen sporting a brunette shoulder-length hair do wearing a peach vest top under a white caftan with a floral design and a white skirt.

One fan wrote in the comment section: “Oh Sister Julienne what would the mother house say.”

Another person gushed “What a lovely picture” and a third added: “Ravishing and you still are very beautiful.”

The post emerges just days ahead of the final episode of the current Call the Midwife season, set to broadcast nationwide on Sunday (March 8).

Fans will be disheartened to discover that the drama will be taking a hiatus and won’t return for its customary Christmas special later this year.

In a conversation with Radio Times, series creator Heidi Thomas revealed: “We have made 15 series in 15 years and I’ve known for a couple of years that situation won’t go on forever. The sets need repair. The nuns’ habits are worn out. It takes 14 months to make every series.”

The upcoming Series 16 is anticipated to diverge significantly from the familiar format, with Heidi confirming that Nonnatus House will be replaced by a community hospital.

During its break, Call the Midwife will spawn a prequel spin-off set in the 1940s, as well as a film slated for 1972 featuring the regular cast.

The yet-to-be-titled prequel will spotlight beloved characters Sister Julienne, Sister Monica Joan and the late Sister Evangeline.

Series 15 of Call the Midwife concludes on Sunday, March 8 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

When asked if he was involved in her murder in any way, her ex-boyfriend said ‘No, not one bit’

An ex-boyfriend of Lurgan woman Natalie McNally addressed the man accused of murdering her in court today and said “you killed her.”

Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was beaten, stabbed and strangled in her Silverwood Green home on the evening of Sunday December 18, 2022.

The father of her unborn child, 36-year old Stephen McCullagh from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has been accused of and has denied her murder.

A trial centring on the murder of the 32-year-old is now in its third week and a former boyfriend – whose name is the subject of a reporting restriction – was the latest witness called to give evidence.

He spent all day in the witness at Belfast Crown Court where he was questioned by barristers for both the Crown and defence.

Under questioning from Crown KC Charles MacCreanor, the witness confirmed he and Ms McNally met on Tinder in 2019 and that following this he moved into her house for around a year. He said that after securing a flat, he moved out “after coronavirus>Covid” but said they “kept meeting up” after he moved out on a regular basis.

When asked when his relationship with Ms McNally ended, the witness said she was his “best friend” and that the relationship “never ended, as far as friends went.”

He then confirmed that he started a new relationship with a woman who moved in with him and quickly became pregnant. The witness was then asked about a series of messages exchanged between him and Mc McNally between the summer and December of 2022.

In these exchanges, which were via email and on WhatsApp, some of the messages were of a sexually explicit nature. The witness admitted sending and receiving messages with Ms McNally right up to the evening of her death.

He also admitted the last time he and Ms McNally were together sexually was around October 2022 in her house. Mr MacCreanor then asked the witness “looking back on it now, how do you feel you treated Natalie at that time?”

He replied: “Heartbreaking. The last time I saw Natalie she was lying on her bed on her side. I could tell she was raging at me.

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“I has come round and had sex then I was away and I could tell she was … that memory of the last time seeing her, I wish it was something nicer than her looking annoyed at me, annoyed at herself.”

Saying he “wasn’t proud” of this last meeting, the witness said: “I definitely took advantage of Natalie, definitely. I feel horrible about it.”

After saying “Natalie really was my best friend”, the witness then looked at McCullagh as he sat in the dock and said “and you killed her.”

At this point Mr Justice Kinney told the witness to “calm down and answer the questions you are being asked please.”

The witness then continued and said he knew Ms McNally for years and there was “a lot more” to their relationship than text messages. mHe added: “She was the nicest girl ever, she would have done anything for anybody. She helped me in so much and I feel horrible … I just wish I had been better to her. I definitely took advantage of Natalie and her good heart.”

Mr MacCreanor then asked the witness what he was doing on the evening of Sunday December 18, 2022. He recalled it being the evening of the World Cup Final and said that after he consumed Buckfast and beers, he fell asleep in his flat.

He also told the jury of six men and six women that his girlfriend had a video of him lying sleeping, and said “I never left the flat that night.”

When asked how he found out about Ms McNally’s death, the witness said he received message from one of her neighbours on Snapchat telling him she had been murdered.

The prosecutor also asked him about being arrested on suspicion of murder of Ms McNally’s murder. The witness confirmed he was interviewed by police on December 22, 2022 and asked what his aim was regarding Ms McNally, he said it was “to tell them as much as possible.”

He said that following his arrest “I knew I hadn’t done it” and he wasn’t worried as “the truth will always come out.”

Mr MacCreanor then asked the witness if he was aware that McCullagh had “pointed the police” towards him as the person who may have harmed Ms McNally and he replied “yeah, it’s ridiculous.”

And when asked if he was involved in her murder in any way, her ex-boyfriend said: “No, not one bit.”

He then added: “He [McCullagh] was. He done it. A blind person could see that.”

The witness was also cross-examined by defence barrister John Kearney KC. The barrister asked him about the year he lived with Ms McNally in Silverwood Green and he confirmed that she usually left her front door unlocked and that on occasion the back door was left “wide open.”

He was then questioned about Ms McNally’s dog River and when asked if the dog would have been familiar with him, the witness said “I know where you are going with this. Yes, she would have been.”

Asked by Mr Kearney what he meant by that, the witness said: “You are going to try and crack that because it was my dog that the dog didn’t attack me whenever I went round.

“It wasn’t me in Natalie’s house that night, it was him (McCullagh).”

At this point the defence barrister asked the witness if he had “trouble with anger control?” and he said: “I have been extremely stressed for the last three years, accused of murder, something I didn’t do.”

He then added that “at times” he did have potential anger issues. Mr Kearney then asked him about other ex-partners and in particular the woman he was with when Ms McNally died.

Mr Kearney also asked if he had ever grabbed her, throttled her, struck her or laid a finger on her and he replied “no” to each question.

He was also asked about WhatsApp messages he sent to her last weekend and whether or not he threatened her. The witness said there was “a load of slabbering going on from both parties” and that he was arrested the following day.

He said he “made it clear” he didn’t want to be with her any more and that he had blocked then unblocked her. Asked if he messaged her and told her he was tempted to go to her house to kick her head in because he hated her so much, he replied “potentially, yeah.”

He added: “There was toxic slabbering going on. That’s why I had her blocked, to stop all this. I’ve got wee angry thumbs that send wee stupid messages. These stupid thumbs say stupid things.”

Mr Kearney said “well those wee angry thumbs are connected to wee angry wrists and ultimately to an angry brain, isn’t that right?”

Asked again if he had a problem with anger management, the witness said he could get “extremely wound up and say stupid things” but he denied threatening to kill her or physically assaulting his ex-partner.

The witness is due to return to court to resume his evidence on Tuesday morning.

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