Auryn Cox

Natalie McNally’s family says the appeal lodged by convicted murderer Stephen McCullagh against his 31‑year minimum sentence has re‑traumatised them. McCullagh, who fabricated a YouTube livestream to create a false alibi, was convicted earlier this year for the 2022 killing of McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant. Her brother, Declan, criticised McCullagh’s lack of remorse and said the renewed legal process revives the family's distress. Prosecutors confirmed the appeal has been filed, extending a legal process the family says has already taken years.

Natalie McNally’s family says Stephen McCullagh’s appeal against his 31‑year minimum sentence is retraumatising, describing his lack of remorse and the renewed stress of further court proceedings. McCullagh was convicted of murdering McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant, after staging a pre‑recorded YouTube livestream to create a false alibi. The Public Prosecution Service confirmed the appeal has been lodged, extending a legal process that has lasted more than three years for the victim’s family.

Northern Ireland will introduce a £5m Regional Obesity Management Service to provide weight-loss medication and lifestyle support for adults with severe obesity, with rollout planned for autumn 2026. The scheme targets individuals with high BMI and obesity-related health conditions and aims to reduce health inequalities and pressure on the health system. A separate £7m Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme will allow self-referral for weight management support. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasized combining medication with lifestyle changes and developing individual care plans to ensure sustained weight loss.

Northern Ireland will introduce a £5m Regional Obesity Management Service in autumn 2026 to expand access to weight‑loss medication and lifestyle support. The initiative prioritizes adults with high BMI and related health conditions and aims to reduce health inequalities. It will run alongside a £7m Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme that allows self-referral for weight management services. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasized combining medication with long‑term lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes and ease pressure on the health system.