Two remanded in custody over Clogher murder

Niall Cox appeared in Dungannon Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of the father of four. Credit: Pacemaker

A man and a woman have been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with the murder of a father of four in Co Tyrone.

Pat Ward was found dead in an alleyway in McCrea Park in Clogher at 8.15am on Saturday, 9 February.

Mr Ward was originally from Sligo, but had recently been living in the small village.

Father of four Pat Ward was found dead over the weekend. Credit: UTV

Niall Cox ,23, and Karen McDonald, 33, both of McCrea Park, Clogher said they understood the charge against them at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning.

There was a heavy police presence in and outside the court as the pair appeared in the dock.

More than 50 family and friends of the 30-year-old victim watched proceedings from the public gallery.

Pat Ward's wife Ellie carrying a framed photograph of him on Wednesday morning. Credit: Pacemaker

District Judge John Meehan warned he would clear the court as shouts erupted when the defendants entered.

He said: "I will clear this court if people don't respect the fact this is a court. There will be no breach of the peace here."

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No application for bail was made during the brief hearing.

The two defendants were remanded in custody.

They are due to appear by video link in March.