Overview
- The Crown closed its case on Monday at Belfast Crown Court, with the judge telling jurors they have heard all of the prosecution evidence.
- Defence counsel said no witnesses would be called and Stephen McCullagh would not give evidence, and the judge noted no further evidence will be heard.
- Closing statements are scheduled to begin on Wednesday following a St Patrick's Day recess.
- A 498–500 page bundle of WhatsApp messages between August 7 and December 19, 2022 was examined, and the senior investigating officer said he noted no arguments in the exchanges.
- The defence described the messages as everyday and affectionate, and the jury heard an agreed fact that McCullagh has no previous criminal convictions.