Courts / Dublin / Report

Husband told gardai he 'snapped' and stabbed wife, jury to hear

Summary

A 54‑year‑old man, Alan Ward, is charged with the murder of his wife, Catherine Ward, 41, who was ten years his junior. The incident occurred on 1 March 2019 at their home on Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin. Ward told Gardaí that he had "snapped" after his wife struck him with a bottle and that he had stabbed her, but later said it was "possible he did" and claimed no memory of the act. He also faces charges of threatening and attempting to stab their son, Adam Ward, on the same day. The prosecution will present medical evidence of Ward's mental state, including a prior stroke, and testimony from his sons, who describe a marriage marked by arguments and drinking. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is expected to last two weeks. The jury will hear evidence of the stabbing wounds, the post‑mortem findings, and Ward's alleged threat to his son. Alan Ward pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Husband told gardai he 'snapped' and stabbed wife, jury to hear. Charges or matters: the murder of Catherine Ward (41) at their home on Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on March 1, 2019; each of the three counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 1, 2019 Incident
• 2021-12-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report