The man accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend told police at the scene that her ex-partner was responsible, his trial has heard.

Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has denied murdering Natalie McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant with their child.

She was killed at her home on Silverwood Green in Lurgan, Co Armagh, a week before Christmas in December 2022.

Her time of death has been estimated to be between 8.50pm and 9.30pm on Sunday, December 18 2022.

The emergency services were alerted on the following evening on Monday December 19.

McCullagh sat in the dock at Belfast Crown Court between two prison guards on Tuesday morning as the second day of his trial got underway.

Family and friends of Miss McNally were watching on from the public gallery.

A jury of six men and six women has been sworn in to serve during the trial, which is expected to last for around five weeks, before Judge Mr Justice Patrick Kinney.

On Monday, prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC set out their case that Miss McNally’s murder was “planned, calculated and premeditated, one which he (McCullagh) hoped to get away with”.

On Tuesday morning, the trial heard from two police witnesses.

Sergeant Stewart attended the scene at Miss McNally’s house on the night of Monday, December 19, and described seeing McCullagh “very upset”, and seeing him being led out of the house by a colleague.

He said Miss McNally was lying on her back at the top of the stairs in the townhouse, beside the living room in the property, with blood visible around her and a puncture wound on her neck.

He also saw a small black-handled knife lying on the floor of the living room and blood on the wall.

The uniformed sergeant said he briefed the on-call duty detective sergeant that night for Lurgan CID by telephone.

He said McCullagh was arrested at around 2340 and taken into custody at Banbridge police station.

The on-call detective sergeant also gave evidence to the trial on Tuesday.

He said he briefed a senior officer who instructed him that the incident should be treated as murder.

He agreed that Sergeant Stewart told him McCullagh had told police at the scene: “I know what has happened, the ex-partner has done this”, and that he had directed McCullagh to be arrested for murder.

The jury was also shown police photographs of the scene following Miss McNally’s murder.

The trial continues and will hear the defence case set out by barrister John Kearney KC later this week.

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Mark Elias admitted outraging public decency in court

A Manchester doctor who engaged in sex acts in ‘full view’ of train passengers has been suspended from practicing medicine for six months.

Dr Mark Elias, who was working at The Christie, engaged in ‘repeated’ sexual activity with another man for around an hour on a train from Manchester to Chester in September 2024. The pair had earlier been out drinking and to a cabaret show in the city centre.

They stopped after a conductor warned them about their behaviour, documents state. Elias admitted outraging public decency. In February last year he was handed an eight-week jail term suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

He referred himself to the General Medical Council (GMC) for a disciplinary investigation. A Medical Practitioners Tribunal has now ruled that Elias, a consultant radiologist at the cancer hospital, should be suspended from practicing for six months, saying that he had ‘seriously departed from [the] fundamental tenets of the medical profession’.

The ‘seriousness of the allegations’ increased as his actions ‘involved acts of indecency, and a reckless disregard for patient safety or professional standards’, a decision report added.

Elias told panel members he believed he had been spiked. The report states: “[Dr Elias] said he was told by the co-defendant the next day that they had engaged in XXX [sic] on the train. He said that he was shocked, in disbelief, ashamed and scared to think he could have behaved in that way, and he was worried about his future.

“Dr Elias said that he told his then legal team that he immediately felt he may have been spiked as there was no other explanation for his behaviour.”

The tribunal said Elias’s account of the alleged spiking changed throughout his evidence and was ‘contradictory’. He initially claimed his drink was spiked because he went on to inhale a ‘smoky substance’ and claimed he would not have done so if he had not been spiked.

It was later clarified that he did not believe it was his drink, but instead the smoky substance that was tampered with. The tribunal ultimately ruled that, ‘on the balance of probabilities’, his drink was not spiked.

It added: “It was more likely than not that Dr Elias had consumed significantly more alcohol than he could remember. This caused him to become disinhibited, and he voluntarily inhaled the ‘smoky substance’. The Tribunal accepts Dr Elias would not have done so but for the amount of alcohol he had consumed, which led to his then inhaling the ‘smoky substance’.”

Speaking for Elias, counsel Malcolm Fortune said he ‘accepted that his standards fell seriously below those expected’. He added the doctor was ‘troubled’ by ‘personal issues’ and had ‘sought appropriate support to address them’.

He further said Elias had returned to work at The Christie prior to the tribunal and there had been ‘no repeat of the events which led to the conviction, nor have there been any complaints about Dr Elias or his clinical practice’ in the intervening time.

Elias also received character testimonies from two colleagues. One said: “I do not condone the offence that Mark committed, and am aware that it was his own flaws and bad judgement that put him in this situation he has found himself in.

“I believe it has been Mark’s personal struggles, [XXX] [sic] that has led to this offence, which in my opinion are totally out of character. He is without a doubt a good man, with a good heart, compassion and willing to go the extra mile to continue to help others, as he has always done.”

The tribunal deemed Elias’s current situation was a ‘result of his own recklessness of drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, and that he attempted to minimise and deflect the seriousness of his actions by stating that his drink had been spiked’.

It further felt ‘relevant personal context’ did not reduce ‘the seriousness of the conviction’ or ‘the level of current and ongoing risk to public protection posed by the doctor’. The tribunal ruled Elias’ fitness to practice was impaired.

Extra Blue Badge parking spaces, improving accessibility for buses, dedicated quiet and rest spaces, more cycle parking and benches are among proposals drawn up for future markets.

Labour council Leader Cllr Claire Douglas said some could not enjoy last year’s Christmas Market and the city centre and future events needed to be safe and accessible for everyone.

A City of York Council report stated changes to the Christmas Market’s operating hours or days could have a knock-on effect on city centre businesses if it affects footfall and overnight stays.

The short-term measures could cost around £70,000, according to a York Council report which stated they would come ahead of potential longer term measures in the coming years.

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Proposals which are set to go before the council’s executive on Tuesday, March 3 follow a review into city centre events launched after the Christmas Market.

It was done after measures brought in to prevent vehicle attacks saw Blue Badge holders and other vehicles barred from the city centre while the market was open.

North Yorkshire Police called on the council to impose an Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) barring drivers from streets already subject to hostile vehicle measures to deter attacks.

But disabled groups said it would limit their access to the city centre and its shops, venues and services in the run up to Christmas.

The extra cost to the council and event organiser Make It York to implement the restrictions was £90,000.

A report on arrangements for this year’s event stated the police had recommended making the ATTRO permanent.

It added the restrictions would typically lie dormant but could be activated on a case-by-case basis if the council, police and other emergency services feel they are necessary.

York’s Christmas Market brings in £80 to £100m-a-year to the city’s economy, according to Make It York estimates (Image: Kieran Delaney)

The report stated that making the restrictions permanent could impact other events in held in the city centre throughout the year amid national moves towards greater security and vehicle controls.

The report stated city centre events contributed some of the overall £2bn generated by York’s tourism and visitor sector.

Make It York estimates put the amount brought in by the Christmas Market alone at between £80m and £100m.

But data from Beauclair showed there was pressure on city centre retail spending compared to previous years.

The latest shop vacancy rates were at 6 per cent in York compared to 13 per cent nationally.

Short-term measures for future Christmas Markets include extra Blue Badge parking in places such as Duncombe Place, Deangate, Picadilly and St Andrewgate.

Foot streets access could be reviewed including by looking at mobility aids.

Dedicated quiet and rest areas could be set up during events in places such as St Sampson’s Centre, Spark or the York Explore Central Library.

Options considered but ruled out by council officials include moving the Christmas Market and other events outside the city centre and spreading them out.

New benches, an information point and help the Shopmobility transport aid rental service expand have also been proposed.

Temporarily allowing access to some city centre services on the edge of or outside the protected area has also been ruled out for now but officials could look at arrangements in the longer term.

The council’s leader Cllr Douglas said they were listening and wanted to make sure any changes are worked on jointly with those affected.

Cllr Douglas said: “In York we are all rightly proud of the wide range of events that take place across the city all year round which bring joy to so many people and significant economic benefits.

“We are clear that events must be accessible to everyone and they must also be safe.”

Director Brian Percival shared the exciting news on Instagram, with a picture of a clapperboard and a caption saying: ‘Here we go…S7 #ACGAS.’

The news will delight fans of the series, which is based on James Herriot’s cherished books.

Grassington is the primary filming location for All Creatures Great and Small and is transformed into the fictional market town of Darrowby, where the series is set.

‘It continues to delight viewers’

The show remains 5’s most successful drama series to date, having reached more than 14 million people across the first five series, and it continues to be the top programme across the channel year after year. 

Speaking when series seven and eight were announced, Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at 5, said: ‘All Creatures Great and Small is a jewel in 5’s drama crown and continues to delight viewers year after year.

‘Its warmth, humour and heart, set against the beauty of Yorkshire, have made it a firm audience favourite.

‘We’re thrilled to extend its future with two more series, with many new stories still to tell and more unforgettable adventures ahead for our Skeldale family.’

Carol Gillies has opened up about her family’s decades-long fight for justice as her killer still won’t reveal where Arlene’s body is

The sister of murdered mum Arlene Fraser, who vanished in 1998, has spoken candidly about the ‘horrendous torturous journey’ her family has endured for 28 years.

The 33 year old disappeared without trace on Tuesday, April 28, 1998, after her two young children came home to find the house empty. The Moray town of Elgin in the north of Scotland became the centre of attention in subsequent days as concern for Arlene mounted.

Local businessman Nat Fraser, Arlene’s husband, had a documented history of violence and faced accusations of attempting to murder his wife merely five weeks prior to her disappearance. On that fateful day, Arlene had arranged to consult with a solicitor regarding divorce proceedings.

What ensued was an agonising 14-year battle to secure Nat’s conviction, with the killer ultimately found guilty of her murder on two separate occasions. Nevertheless, the murderer, who has persistently refused to disclose Arlene’s burial location, may soon qualify for early release.

Carol Gillies, Arlene’s sister, recently featured in a BBC documentary series Murder Case: The Hunt for Arlene Fraser’s Killer, showcasing her family’s unwavering resolve to discover the truth – despite answers continuing to elude them, reports Aberdeen Live. Carol campaigned relentlessly for answers whilst advocating for changes to Scottish legislation that would prevent killers from gaining freedom whilst concealing the location of their victims’ bodies.

Speaking following the documentary’s release, Carol said: “As Nat Fraser is due for parole in 2028, I saw this documentary as an opportunity for me to shine a light on crucial matters such as violence against woman and the parole process. Indeed, I took part in filming in August 2025, during the week I met the justice minister Angela Constance to discuss Suzanne’s law.

“I had the opportunity to preview the documentary and it undeniably demonstrates how domestic abuse can spiral dangerously out of control. It was a difficult watch to see footage of Nat Fraser denying all responsibility.

“Throughout the documentary the pain caused by Nat Fraser (and his associates’) actions can be clearly seen on my parents’ faces. We feel incredibly sad that a life watching her children grow up has been taken from her by this brutal crime. It has also been extremely painful to watch videos of a living Arlene.

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“The documentary outlines the horrendous torturous journey that Arlene’s murder has taken us on. There has been a stream of hearings, high court trials, press conferences and of course documentaries.

“However, thanks to the efforts of the police, the media and the justice system we have overcome every hurdle and Nat Fraser was convicted and imprisoned twice despite there being ‘no body’.”

Carol expressed her anxiety about potential disappointment at the “final hurdle of the parole system”, with those implicated in Arlene’s murder persistently “deny her the right to a respectful resting place”.

Nevertheless, Nat will now encounter a fresh barrier in his attempt to secure freedom. During September 2025, Suzanne’s Law received approval in the Scottish Parliament – requiring parole boards to now consider a murderer’s unwillingness to disclose what happened to a victim’s remains.

The legislation was named after Edinburgh resident Suzanne Pilley who vanished in 2010 following the conclusion of an affair with her work associate. David Gilroy was found guilty of her murder but has never disclosed the location of her body.

Carol added: “As the years have passed, I have always worried that the final hurdle of the parole system, would let us down. Without further information as to Arlene’s whereabouts his release would mean a continuation of the crime and a loss of hope of ever gaining further information or finding Arlene. Those involved in Arlene’s murder ‘dumped’ her somewhere and continue to deny her the right to a respectful resting place.

“The passing of Suzanne’s law in September 2025 means that the parole board MUST consider a prisoner’s failure to disclose the location of a victim’s body when deciding whether to grant parole. The passing of this law has given us some hope. However, further changes are needed, and this can only be done by listening to victims and their families. The recent parole reform consultation in Scotland hopefully will address the gaps and flaws in the parole system leading to meaningful changes for the future.

“As Arlene’s family we are all incredibly grateful to everyone who has given their time and energy in taking part in this documentary and making it a success. Kate and Sean from Firecrest Films, the producers of the documentary, have treated me with the utmost respect and sensitivity, and have created something different. It is a fascinating documentary that I am proud to be part of.

“However, in saying this the media attention that Arlene’s name brings can feel overwhelming. Although I have a great support network with family and friends, at times I can struggle with the enormity of it all. For this reason, me and my family would like to extend a special thanks to former Detective Superintendent Alan Smith.

“Through taking part in the documentary and subsequent TV interviews, Alan has been a massive help in shouldering a lot of the media attention. Despite the fact 28 years has passed he remains in touch. His professional support and backing allows me to continue to voice the need for change in the parole system and keep Arlene’s name alive.

“It also means a great deal to the family, that the police officer in attendance the night Arlene was reported missing, Mark Cooper, also agreed to take part in the documentary.”

Discussing her rationale for participating in documentaries about Arlene’s killing and vanishing despite the distressing recollections it evokes, Carol highlighted the significance of “raising public awareness on important matters”. She expressed her conviction that Nat Fraser is “counting on [the family] tiring or giving up” in their pursuit of justice for Arlene.

Carol continued: “People often ask me why I put myself through the stress of taking part in documentaries and whether I should take part was something that I discussed with my family. It certainly is not something I enjoy or particularly want to do, and I am sure other participants may have felt the same, but we all see this as an opportunity to raise public awareness on important matters.

“In my case I had to think long and hard about taking part, particularly as I am potentially in danger of retraumatising myself. However, I believe part of Nat Fraser’s plan was that people would soon forget about Arlene. I feel he is counting on us tiring or giving up, but until Arlene’s remains are located, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that Arlene is never forgotten.

“Although, we have all learned to live with this horrific crime in our own way, without the support of the public and media this situation we find ourselves in would be extremely difficult to deal with. It is immensely comforting for the family to know that interest in Arlene has never faded. We are very grateful that people are still behind us and support our hunt for the truth. “.

A row between Emmanuel Macron’s government and the US ambassador to Paris has deepened after the American envoy ignored a summons to meet the French foreign minister.

Charles Kushner – the father of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner – had been told to meet Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday evening to explain his recent comments about the killing of a far-right activist in Lyon.

Instead, Mr Kushner said he had a prior engagement and sent a deputy.

An indignant Mr Barrot described the no-show as a “surprise”, adding: “It will, naturally, affect his capacity to exercise his mission in our country.”

The minister also said the US ambassador will not have access to members of the French government until he complies. His ministry accused Kushner of an “apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission”.

The row began after US comments in social media posts about the death of student Quentin Deranque, 23, who was beaten during a clash between far-right and far-left groups earlier this month.

Following the death, the US state department’s counterterrorism bureau posted on X that “reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all”.

It added that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety”.

The US Embassy in Paris posted the same statement in French.

Paris responded by saying it rejected any attempts to use the incident “for political ends”. Mr Barrot insisted France “must have an explanation” of the comments from Mr Kushner, adding: “We don’t accept that foreign countries can come and interfere, invite themselves, into the national political debate.”

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On Saturday, some 3,000 people joined a march in memory of Mr Deranque, 23, whose killing has highlighted deep political tensions in France.

Mr Kushner was previously summoned by French officials last August after his letter alleging the country did not do enough to combat antisemitism.

He did not show up and French officials met with a representative instead.

The 71-year-old businessman was controversially named US ambassador to France by Donald Trump last year.

In 2020, he was pardoned by Mr Trump after pleading guilty to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations years earlier.

The US president had known Mr Kushner from real estate circles and their children, Ivanka and Jared, married in 2019.

Ramsbottom Kitchen Company, founded by David and Tracey Peace in 1996, has become a long-standing name in bespoke kitchen design and installation.

They have customers across the North West, including Bury, Bolton, Manchester and Lancashire.

The company originally started on Back Square Street in Ramsbottom but moved to a 15,000 sq ft showroom on Union Street in 2003.

Three generations of the Peace family have worked for the company (Image: Supplied)

Tracey Peace, co-founder of Ramsbottom Kitchen Company, said: “When we first opened in 1996 our plan was simple, to create beautiful kitchens built to last and by doing that we’ve also created a business built to last.

“I’d like to thank our customers who have put their faith in us during that time, all our staff from over the last three decades, the local community in Ramsbottom and our family and friends for their support.”

A true family affair, the company has seen three generations of the Peace family working at the business during its three decades.

Ramsbottom Kitchen Company has completed thousands of kitchens with the same commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail and customer service that it had at the start – leading to its success and growth year on year.

Its efforts have been recognised within the industry, earning accolades including the Neff Masterpartner and Best Showroom awards twice.

David Peace, co-founder, said: “If you’d told me when we first opened that we would still be here 30 years later, I’m not sure I would have believed you, but I am incredibly proud that we are.

“I don’t think I need to tell anyone how hard it is to make a business a success and we’ve seen it all during that time – financial crashes and pandemics and even a fire at the shop – but thanks to hard work and our commitment to providing great kitchens and great customer we’ve created a real local family success story.

“Here’s to the next 30 years of Ramsbottom Kitchen Company.”

To find out more go to: https://www.ramsbottomkitchens.co.uk/ 

The traffic management measures have been introduced on the A56 Manchester Road in Ramsbottom near Park Farm to allow emergency works to be carried out.

Bury Council says this is in response to an ongoing landslip which has created a dangerous dip in the road surface.

Cllr Alan Quinn, Bury Council cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “These emergency measures are essential to ensure public safety while we address the impact of the landslip.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of motorists and residents as we work to stabilise the area and keep the route open in the safest way possible.”

The authority says the landslip has prompted the installation of temporary traffic signals to protect road users while remedial works take place.

These signals will remain in place until minor surfacing and lining works can be completed.

Contractors have patched sections of the carriageway, and lining will be carried out to mark out the new lanes.

Once these works are complete, the road will return to two-way traffic within a narrowed carriageway layout designed to keep vehicles safely away from the affected area of the slip.

As well as immediate safety measures, the council’s traffic team is preparing a Traffic Regulation Order to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along this stretch of the A56.

They say this temporary reduction is intended to improve safety for all road users while investigations continue, and long-term stabilisation solutions are developed.

The council says a long-term solution is likely to involve major engineering works to support the highway, the scale and scope of which will be determined by ongoing ground investigation.

Officials say lower speeds will help minimise risks and ensure that drivers can navigate the altered road layout safely.

Further questions and answers can be found online at Bury Council’s website.

The Bluebirds forward has hit a rich vein of form and Bluebirds supporters want him back next year – and beyond

Omari Kellyman has admitted he has seen Cardiff City fans urging him to stay, but insists his long-term aim remains breaking through at Chelsea.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, has been one of the standout performers for Cardiff City as they chase promotion from League One, scoring three goals and adding an assist in his last six outings.

Kellyman has really helped to fill the void left by Yousef Salech’s neck injury last month, going up a level or two having been deployed centrally by Brian Barry-Murphy, keeping Callum Robinson out in the process. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.

While his two goals in a losing cause at Plymouth Argyle point to his technical prowess, Cardiff fans have rightly praised him in recent weeks for seeing an improvement in his physically and pressing from the front.

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Speaking to The Athletic, Kellyman made clear just how much the move to south Wales has meant to him after an injury-ravaged first season at Stamford Bridge.

“It is a great environment to be in,” he said. “This is my first real season in men’s football where I am playing every week. I have learnt a lot about myself and the game. I am grateful to be here and show Chelsea what I can do. It has kind of been my first real opportunity to do that.”

The former Aston Villa youngster endured a nightmare 2024-25 campaign, with what was initially diagnosed as a 12-week hamstring injury turning into more than six months on the sidelines.

“It was like a downward spiral of events,” he admitted. “Any time I felt I was back on my feet, something else would happen. That 12 weeks turned into 25 to 26 weeks of not playing. That whole time, I was ready to fight for my spot in my head, but the body just couldn’t.”

Kellyman revealed he struggled with criticism on social media during that period, particularly after undergoing surgery.

“It was hard not to pick up my phone when I was injured and see what people were saying about me. I got to a point where I didn’t feel I was a player anymore,” he said. “After having a whole season being in the shadows, it is good to feel wanted again.”

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And that feeling has been amplified by the reception he has received from Bluebirds supporters, both online and in person.

This season, he has endeared himself to City supporters to no end. To such an extent, in fact, that Cardiff fans hope they can have him back next season.

If Cardiff do achieve promotion, perhaps another loan might be beneficial to all parties once again. However, supporters asking him to commit to Cardiff long term might be left disappointed.

“I have seen those,” he said when asked about fans encouraging him to sign permanently. “Even coming out of the stadium, I can hear them saying it. It is great.

“But I signed for Chelsea, and I want to play for Chelsea, that is the end goal.”

Kellyman also credited Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy for giving him the freedom to express himself in his preferred No 10 role. For now, however, his focus is firmly on helping Cardiff secure promotion. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

“He has given me licence to express myself, but also helped the other side of my game,” he said. “Our style of play and pressing is really aggressive. I have improved a lot on that since being here.

“Getting promoted to the Championship is a dream scenario, but we all have the desire to win the title too. After everything they have done for me, going up as champions is the goal. Cardiff fans deserve it.”

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