The jury in the trial of a man for the murder of Natalie McNally in Co. Armagh has been sent home for the day.
Stephen McCullagh, 35, from Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, has denied murdering Ms McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she died.
The jury of six men and six women was selected and sworn in to serve at Belfast Crown Court on Monday for the trial, which is expected to last for five weeks.
On Tuesday, Judge Mr Justice Patrick Kinney released a member of the jury who had indicated they would have difficulty serving throughout the trial.
That juror was replaced before the jury was sent out to allow for a discussion around legal issues.
Just before lunch time it was concluded the legal issues would take some further time to examine.
The formal opening of the trial is now expected to get underway on Wednesday.
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Key Events
The jury has been sent home for the day
Stephen McCullagh, 35, from Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, has denied murdering Ms McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she died.
The jury of six men and six women were selected and sworn in to serve at Belfast Crown Court on Monday for the trial which is expected to last for five weeks.
On Tuesday, Judge Mr Justice Patrick Kinney, released a member of the jury who had indicated they would have difficulty in being able to serve during the whole trial.
That juror was replaced before the jury was sent out to allow for a discussion around legal issues.
Just before lunch time it was concluded the legal issues would take some further time to examine.
The formal opening of the trial is now expected to get under way on Wednesday.
Natalie's parents arriving at court this morning
Jury asked to leave the court while a legal issue is dealt with
Mr Justice Kinney has now asked the jury to leave the court while a legal issue is dealt with. He has said they should return in about an hour.
Natalie McNally's family outside Belfast Crown Court this morning
Charge read to jury as they are warned not to discuss case
The charge has now been read to the jury with the PPS and Defence representatives being introduced to them.
Mr Justice Kinney has spoke to the panel and explained to them how the trial will proceed and the duties they will have during it. The jury has been told it must decide the case only on what they have seen in the court room.
The jury has also been warned not to discuss the trial with anyone or to use AI in any format as it could "contaminate" the trial.
Proceedings get underway
The proceedings have now got underway at Laganside Court with "house keeping issues" being discussed ahead of the hearing.
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What happened on Day 1
On Monday, a jury was sworn in for the trial concerning the murder of Lurgan woman Natalie McNally.
The 32-year old - who was 15 weeks pregnant - was killed in her Silverwood Green home in December 2022.
Stephen McCullagh, who is 35 and from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has been accused of and has denied murdering Ms McNally.
The trial process commenced at Belfast Crown Court today when a jury consisting of six men and six women was sworn.
Addressing the 12 jurors, Mr Justice Kinney said Ms McNally was murdered in her home on the evening of December 18, 2022.
As her family sat in the public gallery, they heard the Judge tell the jurors that she studied law at Queen's University and worked for Translink.
The senior judge said the man accused of her murder worked part-time in the Belfast Telegraph.
Mr Justice Kinney said McCullagh was known as a YouTuber who used the profile 'VoteSaxon' and who was primarily known for reviewing Dr Who products and merchandise.
The 12 jurors heard the trial is expected to last five weeks and were told by the Judge: "Part of the evidence in the case will involve being shown photographs of the murder scene.
"It is not anticipated you will be shown any photographs which will involve the deceased."