Widow Kathleen Ward, 75, made a cup of tea for herself and her nephew. Without warning, he “came up behind her and put his hand over her mouth and a knife to her throat. He threatened her and dragged her into the sitting room where he pulled off her bottom clothes as she struggled. Still holding the knife he brought her to the bedroom where he tore off her top and cardigan before raping her on the bed. She said her world turned upside down when he raped her and she no longer feels safe in her own home. She said feels she will never get over it and has no quality of life, outlined how she no longer trusts men and felt so ashamed by what had happened that she wanted to die.,” writes breakingnews.ie sourced from her victim’s impact statement.
A sentence of 14 years was imposed yesterday on the convicted rapist for the rape and sexual assault of Mrs. Ward. Today, she broke her silence by waiving her right to stay anonymous so that she could ensure that her rapist would be named publicly for his horrendous crime- Mr. Christopher Ward viciously raped Mrs. Kathleen. She has not made any attempt to pretend the events that led her to the Central Criminal Court from her Dundalk home on March 13, 2011 has been anything less than excruciatingly painful. But she is alive and she will carry on and she will most definitely ensure that her rapist will be known for his despicable actions.
Kathleen Ward’s remarkable courage is in the face of such an horrific ordeal is beyond words. Perhaps thousands of prayers to heal her broken heart and give her peace is something we can offer. May all our GIRLFRIENDS past and present give her strength. God bless, Mrs. Ward..
