Northern Ireland

Man arrested on suspicion of withholding information and sharing CCTV footage of murder victim Pat Ward online

Pat Ward
Pat Ward Pat Ward

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of withholding information in connection with the murder of Pat Ward in Clogher, Co Tyrone.

The man will also be questioned under the Communications Act after CCTV footage and images of Mr Ward were shared online.

Mr Ward's body was discovered at around 8.15am on February 8 in an alleyway close to his McCrea Park home.

A man and woman appeared in court yesterday charged with his murder.

Karen McDonald (33) and 23-year-old Niall Cox appeared in the dock at Dungannon Magistrates Court while more than 50 relatives and friends of the victim, a member of the Traveller community, were in the public gallery.

Karen McDonald (33) and Niall Cox (23) appeared in Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Pat Ward
Karen McDonald (33) and Niall Cox (23) appeared in Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Pat Ward Karen McDonald (33) and Niall Cox (23) appeared in Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Pat Ward

Both the accused gave an address at McCrea Park and spoke only to confirm their identities and that they understood the charge.

District Judge John Meehan warned that he would clear the court after some distressed relatives of Mr Ward shouted out as the accused were brought into the dock.

Mr Ward was originally from Sligo but had been living in Clogher. He was the father of four children. His wife and family have appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

Ellie Ward holds up a picture of her husband Pat Ward outside Dungannon Magistrates court on Wednesday. Picture by Pacemaker 
Ellie Ward holds up a picture of her husband Pat Ward outside Dungannon Magistrates court on Wednesday. Picture by Pacemaker  Ellie Ward holds up a picture of her husband Pat Ward outside Dungannon Magistrates court on Wednesday. Picture by Pacemaker