Courts / Dublin / Report
Murder accused husband previously stabbed neighbour with Samurai sword, son tells trial
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court, Adam Ward, 23, son of the accused Alan Ward, testified that his father had previously used a Samurai sword to stab a neighbour, forcing the family to leave Tallaght. Adam described a household marked by frequent arguments, physical altercations, and his father's refusal to allow his mother to pursue her own interests. He recounted the night of his mother Catherine's death, stating he heard a bang, saw his father brandish a blade, and was forced to flee to the street where neighbours called the Gardaí. Adam reported that Alan admitted to stabbing his wife, citing a quarrel, and claimed he did not intend to kill her. Alan Ward, 54, has pleaded not guilty to the murder, to threatening Adam, and to attempting to stab him. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of nine men and three women.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused husband previously stabbed neighbour with Samurai sword, son tells trial. Charges or matters: the murder of his wife Catherine Ward (41) at their home on Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on March 1, 2019; an offence of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Adam Ward, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out and has pleaded not guilty to attempting to stab Adam Ward on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 1, 2019 Incident
- March 2019 Other
- 2021-12-08 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of his wife Catherine Ward (41) at their home on Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on March 1, 2019; an offence of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Adam Ward, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out and has pleaded not guilty to attempting to stab Adam Ward on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: the murder of his wife Catherine Ward (41) at their home on Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on March 1, 2019; an offence of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Adam Ward, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out and has pleaded not guilty to attempting to stab Adam Ward on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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