Northern Ireland

Pat Ward murder: Man questioned over social media images released as file prepared for PPS

The body of Pat Ward (30) was discovered in an alleyway close to his McCrea Park home in Clogher, Co Tyrone
The body of Pat Ward (30) was discovered in an alleyway close to his McCrea Park home in Clogher, Co Tyrone The body of Pat Ward (30) was discovered in an alleyway close to his McCrea Park home in Clogher, Co Tyrone

A man being questioned by police about CCTV footage and graphic images of murder victim Pat Ward that was shared online has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The body of the 30-year-old was discovered in an alleyway close to his McCrea Park home in Clogher, Co Tyrone last weekend.

Footage which showed Mr Ward's still-moving body being dragged towards the alleyway was distributed online.

He was stripped to his underwear in the video which had a time stamp of 6.43am on Saturday.

Mr Ward's body was discovered at 8.15am.

Pictures were also taken of the murdered man's body before police could attend and close off the crime scene.

Detectives are investigating if the person who took the pictures also failed to report the crime.

In what is thought to be a first in Northern Ireland, a 44-year-old man is being questioned under the Communications Act in connection with the footage and images.

A PSNI spokesperson said yesterday: "Detectives investigating the murder of 30-year-old Pat Ward in Clogher have arrested a man on suspicion of withholding information.

"The 44-year-old suspect will also be questioned under the Communications Act after CCTV footage and images of the deceased were shared online."

Two people - Niall Cox (23) and Karen McDonald (33), who also goes by the name Karen Marie Donegan - have been charged with Mr Ward's murder and remanded in custody.

The pair, both of McCrea Park, Clogher, appeared in court on Wednesday and spoke only to confirm their names.