Courts / Dublin / Report

Violent domestic abuser fails in bid to overturn conviction for murdering wife

Summary

Alan Ward, 56, was convicted of murdering his wife Catherine Doyle, 41, on 1 March 2019 in their Clondalkin home. He had a long history of domestic violence and alcohol abuse, and in 2017 suffered a stroke that caused communication difficulties. Ward claimed diminished responsibility due to a mental disorder from the stroke, but the Court of Appeal rejected his appeal. The court noted that two experts disagreed on whether the stroke or intoxication better explained his actions. Ward's defence argued that the prosecution expert should not have weighed alcohol as a greater factor, a point the judge dismissed. The appeal was dismissed on all grounds, and Ward remains convicted of murder, with no change to his sentence. The court also upheld convictions for threatening to kill his son and for a prior assault on his wife.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Violent domestic abuser fails in bid to overturn conviction for murdering wife. Charges or matters: threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Adam Ward and of attempting to stab him. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• March 1, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-06-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report