THE widow and mother of Pat Ward have attended a remand video-link hearing for the Co Tyrone couple accused of his murder.
Mr Ward’s body was discovered in a Clogher alleyway around 8.15am on February 9, having been subjected to what has been described as a brutal, frenzied attack.
Niall Cox (23) and his partner Karen Marie McDonald (33) both of McCrea Park in Clogher, are jointly charged with murdering Mr Ward.
Like the victim, Cox is originally from Sligo, and prior to moving to Tyrone, resided in Kesh, Co Fermanagh.
The pair were remanded in custody after appearing at Dungannon Magistrates Court last month, during an emotionally charged hearing, attended by more than 50 relatives and friends of the victim.
Yesterday Mr Ward’s widow Ellie stood in the middle of the courtroom, to ensure she could see the video-link screens, and be seen by the accused.
His mother stood a short distance away, quietly crying.
First to appear was McDonald, currently held in Hydebank Women’s Prison, who noticeably avoided eye contact with the camera, but smirked and smiled throughout the short hearing.
A prosecution lawyer said the case is “of the most serious nature” and still in the early stages.
Judge Meehan remanded McDonald for a further four weeks.
Cox then appeared from Maghaberry Prison, and the prosecutor repeated the same as in McDonald. Mr Ward’s widow fixed her gaze on the screen, shaking her head a few times and visibly distressed.
Like his co-accused, Cox was remanded for four weeks. No indication was given if either are intending to apply for bail.
Mr Ward (30) a married father-of-four children, was a member of the Travelling community and a champion boxer. He had only recently moved to the Clogher area in the weeks before his murder.
