Alan Ward found guilty of murdering his wife in Dublin

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Alan Ward was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of murdering his wife, Catherine Ward, at their home in Dublin. The proceedings were reported on 20 December 2021.

Ward had pleaded not guilty to murdering Catherine Ward at their home on Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 1 March 2019.

The jury rejected his argument that his responsibility for the killing was substantially diminished by a stroke he suffered in 2017. The prosecution argued that his behaviour was better explained by intoxication, saying he had drunk a large quantity of vodka before assaulting his wife. It also pointed to his history of violence towards her, including a 2002 conviction for assault causing harm.

The jury also found Ward guilty by a majority of ten to one of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to his son, Adam Ward, and attempting to stab him on 1 March 2019.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt said he would hear victim impact statements from Adam and other members of Catherine Ward’s family on 31 January before passing the mandatory life sentence for murder. Sentencing for the offences against Adam was also due that day.