Menu
15/03/2019
Lisburn Man To Serve 17 Years Over Christmas Day Murder
A 20-year-old Lisburn man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years in custody for the murder of his stepmum, Jayne Toal Reat.
Ms Reat, a 43-year-old nurse, died in her daughter Charlotte's arms after being stabbed multiple times by Nathan Ward on Christmas Day in 2017.
Detectives from the PSNI's Major Investigation Team welcomed the sentencing of Mr Ward today, 15 March, at Craigavon Crown Court, which included the attempted murder of Charlotte as well as grievous bodily harm of his father Joseph, who tried to save his partner during the frenzied attack. Mr Ward was also sentenced for a number of sexual offences carried out over a period of time.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home yet on Christmas Morning in 2017, Jayne was lying sleeping in her bed with her daughter Charlotte when she awoke to find her step-son Nathan standing at the bedside. When Jayne challenged Nathan and asked why he was in their room, he stabbed her multiple times. Charlotte, who was 21 at the time, was stabbed three times in the head and when Nathan's father Joseph came to their aid from another room in the house he was also stabbed in the stomach by Nathan. Police officers arrived at the scene but despite their efforts, they were unable to save Jayne's life and she passed away in her daughter's arms.
"No young woman should have to see their mother murdered and to hold them in their arms as they pass away. Charlotte and her mother should have been waking up looking forward to the excitement of Christmas day and sitting down for a family dinner. Instead Jayne was savagely murdered and Charlotte and Joe's life were changed forever.
"Jayne was a psychiatric nurse who made her living looking after others and she was murdered in cold blood by Nathan who she had welcomed in to her home. Nathan has robbed her of the joy of seeing her daughter grow as a young woman, possibly getting married and giving her grandchildren. Nathan's callous actions have also denied Charlotte the love and friendship of her mother and robbed his father of the chance to have a long and happy future with his partner.
"Nathan is a dangerous man who has shown no remorse for his actions. I welcome the fact that he is now behind bars and the community is a safer place as a result of this police investigation.
"Despite having been left extremely traumatised by the incident, Jayne's family have displayed great courage. Whilst no sentence can ever take away their pain, I hope they get some comfort from knowing that Nathan Ward has been held fully accountable for his actions."
Speaking after the sentencing, Charlotte said: "I can't say I am happy but I'm glad that Nathan has finally admitted to what he has done. This has been an extremely long and tough journey without my mum and it will only continue. The courts are finally over however I will never see my mummy again and this destroys me she was my best friend, my everything and I love her so much."
(JG)
Ms Reat, a 43-year-old nurse, died in her daughter Charlotte's arms after being stabbed multiple times by Nathan Ward on Christmas Day in 2017.
Detectives from the PSNI's Major Investigation Team welcomed the sentencing of Mr Ward today, 15 March, at Craigavon Crown Court, which included the attempted murder of Charlotte as well as grievous bodily harm of his father Joseph, who tried to save his partner during the frenzied attack. Mr Ward was also sentenced for a number of sexual offences carried out over a period of time.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home yet on Christmas Morning in 2017, Jayne was lying sleeping in her bed with her daughter Charlotte when she awoke to find her step-son Nathan standing at the bedside. When Jayne challenged Nathan and asked why he was in their room, he stabbed her multiple times. Charlotte, who was 21 at the time, was stabbed three times in the head and when Nathan's father Joseph came to their aid from another room in the house he was also stabbed in the stomach by Nathan. Police officers arrived at the scene but despite their efforts, they were unable to save Jayne's life and she passed away in her daughter's arms.
"No young woman should have to see their mother murdered and to hold them in their arms as they pass away. Charlotte and her mother should have been waking up looking forward to the excitement of Christmas day and sitting down for a family dinner. Instead Jayne was savagely murdered and Charlotte and Joe's life were changed forever.
"Jayne was a psychiatric nurse who made her living looking after others and she was murdered in cold blood by Nathan who she had welcomed in to her home. Nathan has robbed her of the joy of seeing her daughter grow as a young woman, possibly getting married and giving her grandchildren. Nathan's callous actions have also denied Charlotte the love and friendship of her mother and robbed his father of the chance to have a long and happy future with his partner.
"Nathan is a dangerous man who has shown no remorse for his actions. I welcome the fact that he is now behind bars and the community is a safer place as a result of this police investigation.
"Despite having been left extremely traumatised by the incident, Jayne's family have displayed great courage. Whilst no sentence can ever take away their pain, I hope they get some comfort from knowing that Nathan Ward has been held fully accountable for his actions."
Speaking after the sentencing, Charlotte said: "I can't say I am happy but I'm glad that Nathan has finally admitted to what he has done. This has been an extremely long and tough journey without my mum and it will only continue. The courts are finally over however I will never see my mummy again and this destroys me she was my best friend, my everything and I love her so much."
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
14 November 2024
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
20 November 2024
Pharmacist Sentenced For Drug Offences
A 27-year-old pharmacist from Belfast has been sentenced to 180 hours of community service for unlawfully possessing and stealing controlled prescription drugs. Adam Hanna pleaded guilty to charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969. The offences took place at a North Belfast pharmacy between January and March 2024.
Pharmacist Sentenced For Drug Offences
A 27-year-old pharmacist from Belfast has been sentenced to 180 hours of community service for unlawfully possessing and stealing controlled prescription drugs. Adam Hanna pleaded guilty to charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969. The offences took place at a North Belfast pharmacy between January and March 2024.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
29 July 2013
Police Appeal For Missing Charlotte Murray
Police and the family of a Tyrone woman who has been missing for a number of months, today appealed again for her to contact them. Charlotte Murray, 34, who is originally from Omagh but had been living in Moy, was reported missing in May but family and friends have not had contact with her since last November.
Police Appeal For Missing Charlotte Murray
Police and the family of a Tyrone woman who has been missing for a number of months, today appealed again for her to contact them. Charlotte Murray, 34, who is originally from Omagh but had been living in Moy, was reported missing in May but family and friends have not had contact with her since last November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
