THE woman killed on Monday by “the man she had once loved” was engaged in legal proceedings to prevent him from harassing her, The Impartial Reporter has learned.
Concepta Leonard was stabbed to death in a knife attack by Peadar Phair one day before an application for a non molestation order was to be heard at Enniskillen Courthouse.
The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that an ex-parte non molestation order was granted on March 21 until May 16, the day after Ms. Leonard’s murder.
Such orders would normally contain conditions including not to use or threaten violence, intimidate, pester or harass the applicant.
But on Monday evening Mr. Phair stabbed his ex girlfriend to death before attempting to kill her 30 year old son Conor who suffers from Down’s Syndrome. He then took his own life.
Fermanagh Women’s Aid has said Ms. Leonard’s death highlights the nature of domestic violence.
“This case is tragic and horrific, it will shock and scare people. Concepta’s life matters; she was a smart, funny caring woman, she was murdered by the man she had once loved,” said a spokesperson for the Enniskillen based organisation.
n If you are the victim of Domestic Violence and need help phone Fermanagh Women’s Aid’s 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414, 028 66 328 898 or PSNI on 999.
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