Two Jailed For 2019 Murder Of Pat Ward

The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of two people in connection with the 2019 murder of Pat Ward.

Mr Ward (30) was found dead in an alleyway in Clogher on 9 February 2019.

At Dungannon Crown Court, 28-year-old Niall Cox was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison, having previously pleaded guilty to murder.

His partner at the time, Karen Marie McDonald, aged 37, was sentenced to 10 years, having previously been found guilty of manslaughter. Half of this sentence is to be served in custody, and half on licence.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said: "Pat Ward was attacked in Karen McDonald's home in the McCrea Park area of the village. He had been socialising here, with both defendants, before the fatal assault took place.

"CCTV footage shows Niall Cox, briefly assisted by McDonald, drag Mr Ward's body from the house at 6.42am on Saturday 9 February 2019.

"Cox continues to drag the victim towards and into an alleyway. Here, he abandons Mr Ward and returns to the house. Distressingly, later that morning, Mr Ward's lifeless body is found by a couple of passers-by."

Detective Inspector McGarvey continued: "The results of a post mortem show that he had sustained horrific and multiple injuries to his head and upper body. He had been beaten, kicked and stabbed."

She added: "Pat was 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.

"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."

Image: Pat Ward and Family. PSNI