Natalie McNally murder trial to go ahead despite barristers' strike

The trial of a man accused of murdering Natalie McNally looks set to go ahead, after the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) decided it should not be caught up in strike action.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the decision was a "welcome step".

Natalie, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed at her home in Lurgan in December 2022.

Her family had previously been warned of a potential delay to the trial of Stephen McCullagh, who denies her murder.

Long was informed on Friday that the CBA would "allow the trial to proceed".

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said: "We welcome the CBA decision to proceed with this trial and the relief it will bring to the family of Natalie McNally."

Barristers withdrew services from all legally aided criminal trials in crown courts from 5 January in a dispute about rates of pay.

The strike has caused serious disruption to many trials.

The CBA and the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) have been in talks about "a limited number" of cases, where there may be "extenuating circumstances."

As a result, the trial in Natalie's case is being "exempted" from the strike.

The CBA statement went on: "The overriding objective of the CBA is to work with the Department of Justice to find a resolution to the longstanding issues that have given rise to the withdrawal of services.

"This work must be done with pace and purpose and a sustainable position arrived at.

"Only then can we ensure that all trials are progressed, and all criminal barristers return to the crown court."

Long said: "Following constructive engagement last week, further meetings are scheduled for the coming days.

"It is hoped that this will result in a full return to service very soon."

She added that meantime the CBA should agree to "proposed derogations in the other cases presenting high risk."

A PPS spokeswoman said: "The PPS recognises the deep distress caused to victims and families impacted by the ongoing withdrawal of services by criminal defence barristers, and we hope that a resolution can be found soon to get all crown court cases proceeding again.

"We will continue to engage with the CBA in endeavours to have additional cases exempted going forward."