Courts / Dublin / Report
Catherine Ward had defensive wounds, murder trial hears
Summary
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the state pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, testified that Catherine Ward, aged 41, died from a fatal stab wound to her neck that severed two arteries, sliced her windpipe, and entered her lungs, causing the left lung to collapse. The wound entered at a 45‑degree angle and travelled about 10 centimetres downward. Additional stab wounds were found on her face, left ear, scalp, left arm, and left hand, with one through‑and‑through wound on the back of her left hand and a deep cut on her left index finger that nearly severed the finger. The injuries to the hand and forearm were described as defensive wounds. A toxicology report showed high alcohol levels in her blood. Alan Ward, 54, husband of the deceased, pleaded not guilty to murder, to a threat to kill his son, and to an attempted stabbing of his son.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Catherine Ward had defensive wounds, murder trial hears. 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 his son Adam Ward, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out and has pleaded not guilty to attempting to stab Adam on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 1, 2019 Incident
- 2021-12-13 Publication
Case subjects
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 his son Adam Ward, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out and has pleaded not guilty to attempting to stab Adam 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 his son Adam Ward, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out and has pleaded not guilty to attempting to stab Adam on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Greenfort Drive
- Dublin
Topics
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