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Pat Ward murder: Pair sentenced to total of 30 years in connection with brutal killing

“When Pat was murdered, my life was shattered. I lost the love of my life, and the way in which he died will haunt me forever”

Today at 16:15

A Co Tyrone man convicted of the savage killing of father-of-four Pat Ward has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Niall Cox (28) of McCrea Park, Clogher, Co Tyrone, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court on Wednesday.

His partner, Karen Marie McDonald (37) of the same address, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Ward during a two week trial earlier this year, and was also ordered to serve 10 years.

Half of her sentence is to be served in custody, and half on licence.

Mr Ward was found dead in an alleyway in Clogher on February 9, 2019.

CCTV shows Niall Cox returning to the house after dragging Pat Ward’s body into alleyway

The 30-year-old was beaten, kicked, stabbed and struck a number of times to the head with a heavy, blunt elongated object.

Mr Ward’s wife and parents were in court for the sentencing hearing.

Addressing Mr Ward’s widow Ellen, Mr Justice Stephen Fowler said he had been moved by her statement to the court.

He said: “What you have had to cope with would break many people.

“You were left with four children between the ages of 11 and 14 months when Patrick was murdered.

“I can only imagine how difficult this was and still is for you.”

Speaking after Wednesday’s sentencing, Mrs Ward described her husband as “my entire world”.

“He was the most loving family man, who simply idolised our four children: Tom, Leonie, Chanara and Pat Junior,” said Mrs Ward.

“When Pat was murdered, my life was shattered. I lost the love of my life, and the way in which he died will haunt me forever. I can’t begin to understand how anyone could inflict such brutality, such cruelty, upon another living being.

“Our children were so young when Pat’s life was taken – Pat Junior was just a baby. They have been left to grow up without their father.

“We’re trying to get on with our lives, but it honestly breaks my heart that Pat isn’t here. He won’t be around to see their birthdays and to celebrate each Christmas. He isn’t here with me to watch them grow up.

“I am relieved that today’s sentence has finally been passed, and I’m truly grateful to all who played a part in the process. But it won’t of course bring my husband back.

“It’s not just myself and the children who continue to grieve. Pat’s parents, the wider family, and our closest friends have all suffered terribly.”

Outlining the facts of the case on Wednesday, the judge said Mr Ward had been “savagely attacked” in McDonald and Cox’s home in the early hours of February 9, 2019.

He said the victim had been beaten, kicked and stabbed and had died of numerous severe injuries.

Mr Ward had suffered a bleed to the brain, multiple stab wounds and three fractured ribs and had head injuries consistent with being hit with a heavy object.

The judge said CCTV footage had shown Cox dragging Mr Ward from his house, originally accompanied by McDonald, before disappearing into an alleyway.

Mr Justice Fowler said the pathologist in the case had determined the victim was still alive when he was dragged into the alleyway.

He said he was satisfied Cox had involved himself in a “brutal and savage” attack on Mr Ward using a variety of weapons.

The judge added: “The viciousness and persistence of the attack satisfies me that it was his intention to kill Mr Ward.”

Turning to McDonald, the judge said she had been found not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter.

He said he could not be satisfied she had taken part in the assault on the victim, but said she had been in close proximity as the victim was dragged out of the house.

He said her evidence to police that she had lifted Mr Ward’s legs as he was being dragged so he could walk home was a “pathetic lie”.

The judge added: “It is to her shame while she was in her house she did nothing to assist Mr Ward.

“She could have called the police or the ambulance.

“She showed a callous and a supreme indifference to this dying man’s plight.”

Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey described Mr Ward as “a loving husband, son and father to four young children”.

“His wife and family have been robbed of their loved one in this most brutal and senseless attack,” she added.

“Thanks to our investigation team, and working in partnership with our colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, the defendants have now been held accountable for their actions.

“While I hope today’s outcome offers the family some degree of closure, I’m mindful that it won’t take away their heartache or sadness.

“Their worlds have been torn apart, and my thoughts and that of the team are with them.”