“My life has been shattered” - widow of Sligo man killed in brutal attack
THE widow of a man killed following a “brutal and savage” attack in 2019 has said her husband was her “entire world” after a couple were sentenced in relation to his killing. She said her life had been shattered following his death.
Ellen Ward, widow of Sligo man Patrick Ward who died following what was described as a “brutal and savage” attack, said her husband was her “entire world”. She was speaking to reporters last Wednesday outside Dungannon Crown Court after a couple were sentenced in relation to his killing.
Patrick Ward, originally from Co Sligo, died after being seriously assaulted with a number of weapons before being stripped and dragged into an alleyway and left to die in Clogher, Co Tyrone, in February 2019. Mr Ward’s widow, his parents and members of the extended family were in court for the sentence hearing. Many family members wore t-shirts outside the court calling for justice to be served for Pat Ward.
Niall Cox, 28, of McCrea Park in Clogher was told he must serve at least 20 years in prison for the murder before he can be considered for release.
Karen Marie McDonald, 37, of the same address, was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter, with five years to be served in custody.
Cox had initially denied murder but later changed his plea, while McDonald was convicted of manslaughter at trial earlier this year.
Ellen Ward in a statement, said her husband’s death will haunt her forever: “Pat was my husband, and my entire world.
“He was the most loving family man, who simply idolised our four children: Tom, Leonie, Chanara and Pat Junior,” she said.
“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.” Speaking outside the court, Mrs Ward added: “I really cannot put into words how difficult this has been.” Addressing Mrs Ward during the sentencing, 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.”