Martin Ward (37) from Villa Terrace, Ederney is accused of assaulting and threatening to kill his partner on August 3, as well as assaulting and resisting police. It is alleged the officer encountered a car stopped with the hazard lights flashing and although off-duty approached to offer help. Ward’s partner exited in a very distressed state and said, “He has hit me. He’s always hitting me.” As the officer tried to calm the partner, Ward emerged from the car yelling, “I’m going to f***ing kill her”. 

The officer flagged down a motorist to call for support. Ward remained irate stating, “He had that much anger in him, he felt like he would kill someone.” Back-up arrived and he was arrested, at which the partner remarked, “This is only going to make things worse for me.” 

However when contacted the following day the partnerclaimed  the officer was “a racist” and targeted the couple because they are Travellers. No statement of complaint was provided. Despite this the most recent court sitting was told the charges are proceeding. 

Ward pleaded not guilty to all chargesand District Judge Michael Rangahan remanded him on continuing bail to return on September 40 when a contest date is to be fixed.