LISBURN MAN JAILED FOR DEADLY CHRISTMAS DAY STABBING
Nathan Ward, aged 20, was involved in a violent murder on Christmas Day in 2017 at a residence on Mornington Lane in Lisburn.During the assault, Ward carried out a frenzied attack, inflicting seven stab wounds that caused the death of Jayne Toal Reat.
His daughter, Charlotte Reat, was also wounded with stabbing injuries to her face.
In January 2019, Ward pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the murder of Jayne Toal Reat, the attempted murder of Charlotte Reat, and malicious wounding of his father, Joseph Tweedie.
Evidence revealed that Ward had fantasized about killing Jayne Toal Reat and had purchased knives, duct tape, and gas masks with the intention of torturing her.
The presiding judge described the crime as premeditated and sentenced Ward to the minimum term of 17 years, noting his lack of remorse and driven by uncontrolled hatred and passions.
The judge stated that Ward would not be eligible for parole until at least 2034, considering the time he has already spent in custody on remand.
The court also discussed Charlotte Reat's suffering, as she lost her mother and shared her emotional struggle, expressing that while she is not happy, she is thankful Ward admitted his guilt.
The brutality and planning behind Ward’s attack were so severe that it was believed Charlotte would have met the same fate as her mother had her father not intervened.
The case highlights Ward’s dangerousness and absence of remorse after the incident.
