A recent sentencing in the Clogher murder case has left the family and friends of the victim, Pat Ward, feeling frustrated and outraged. Niall Cox, who was found guilty of the murder, will serve a minimum of 20 years in prison. However, his former partner, Karen Marie McDonald, was convicted of the lesser crime of manslaughter and was sentenced to a total of 10 years. Due to time already served on remand and half of her sentence being served on license, McDonald is expected to be released within months.
Ellie Ward, Pat Ward’s wife, expressed her disappointment with the sentencing, stating that McDonald should not be allowed to walk the streets again around decent people. Ellie, along with around 30 family and friends of Pat Ward, had gathered at the Dungannon courthouse during the sentencing.
The sentencing guidelines require judges to consider various factors such as early guilty pleas, cooperation with police, remorse, intent, and excessive violence. In the case of Pat Ward’s murder, he was subjected to a brutal and savage attack, suffering numerous severe injuries. The judge described the attack as vicious and persistent, expressing that Cox’s intention was to kill Mr. Ward.
Ellie Ward spoke emotionally about the impact of her husband’s murder on her and their four children. She described Pat as a loving family man and expressed the heartbreak of raising their children without their father. Ellie said that while she is relieved that a sentence has finally been passed, it will not bring her husband back.
The sentencing has caused anger and frustration within the community, with many questioning the fairness of the justice system. The family and friends of Pat Ward, as well as the wider community, continue to grieve and suffer from the loss caused by this senseless and brutal attack.
FAQs
- What were the original sentences?
- When will McDonald be released?
- How did Ellie Ward react to the sentencing?
- What were the factors considered by the judge in sentencing?
- How did the community react to the sentencing?
Niall Cox was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years for murder, while Karen Marie McDonald was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter.
Due to serving half of her sentence on license and time already served on remand, McDonald is expected to be released within months.
Ellie Ward expressed her disappointment and frustration with the sentencing, stating that McDonald should not be allowed to walk the streets again around decent people.
The judge considered factors such as early guilty pleas, cooperation with police, remorse, intent, and excessive violence.
The sentencing has caused anger and frustration within the community, with many questioning the fairness of the justice system.