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The family of Natalie McNally has expressed feelings of uncertainty and distress after learning that the trial for her murder may face delays due to planned industrial action by barristers. Ms McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed in her home in Lurgan in December 2022. The accused denies the charges, and the trial was initially scheduled to begin next month. However, ongoing disputes within the legal profession have cast doubt on the trial’s timing, leaving the family in a difficult emotional state.
Declan McNally, Natalie’s brother, described the situation as “re-traumatising” for the family, though he admitted not fully understanding the details behind the industrial dispute. A spokesperson from the Bar Council commented that the decision by the Criminal Bar Association to escalate withdrawal of services was not made lightly. The council regretted that the conflict had reached this stage and recognized the significant negative effects the disruption could have on Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system, impacting victims, defendants, and witnesses alike.
Justice Minister Naomi Long voiced her disappointment, highlighting her concern for victims and witnesses affected by the barristers’ planned walkout. Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have voted to withdraw from Crown Court cases starting 5 January 2026 in a dispute over legal aid fees. Despite this, Mr Justice Kinney confirmed the murder trial remains set for 26 January but acknowledged potential difficulties if counsel becomes unavailable. He expressed hope for a resolution but cautioned that the case might be postponed indefinitely.
Approaching the third anniversary of Ms McNally’s death, her family is enduring what they describe as a seemingly endless wait. Declan McNally called the possibility of yet another postponement “a kick in the teeth,” remarking on the repeated delays they have faced. Speaking publicly, he described the family’s experience as akin to being stuck in “purgatory,” caught in a criminal justice system that moves “at a glacial place” compared to other UK regions. Advocates like Sonya McMullan from Women’s Aid criticized the system for not being trauma or victim focused, warning that prolonged waits might cause survivors and families to give up hope. Meanwhile, political figures such as Ulster Unionist Party’s Doug Beattie have urged the Department of Justice and the barristers to engage in intensive negotiations to prevent the strike from proceeding, citing the “open-ended” nature of the industrial action as particularly concerning for victims awaiting justice
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