Man jailed over Dundalk killing
After the incident, Ward and another male got a taxi to an off-licence where they purchased more alcohol and returned to his home. Dr Marie Cassidy said Mr Dorr died on October 14th, 2010 as a result of head trauma and a fracture to the skull which caused hemorrhaging. She noted a zig zag pattern on Mr Dorr’s forehead which she concluded he was “struck with an object of pattern such as a shoe in a stamping motion".
In a statement after the sentencing of Ward, Niall’s father David, mother Veronica and brother Shane, said “nothing can ever bring Niall back or take away the pain and suffering which we have endured since that terrible night.
“Niall was the peacemaker and didn’t want harm to come to anyone. But little did he know that he was dealing with blood thirsty thugs. To knock a person unconscious and then to repeatedly bang his head off the ground and kick his lifeless body into a pulp is just the stuff of animals,” said Mr Dorr.
He said that this week was the first time they had heard the full story of what had happened to Niall, “the violent manner in which he died and the horrific injuries he suffered which were graphically detailed in court.”
He said that Niall, who had represented Ireland for several years at the kickboxing world championships, winning a bronze medal in 2004 and a silver medal in 2009, was an organ donor and his legacy is that five people are still alive today after receiving transplants of his organs.
“We would urge everyone to follow his example and carry an organ donor card,” said Mr Dorr. “To his genuine friends who miss him, just as much as we do, we have a place in our hearts for you all. Your love for him has shone through even in the darkest days and we now say thanks.
“A new chapter in our lives begins now and sadly Niall is not in it. We will hold very dear his memory and will never let go,” added Mr Dorr.
Mr Justice Carney suspended the final three years of the sentence and ordered that Ward undergo 18 months post-release supervision and to keep away from the Dorr family.
