Mother dies in hospital two weeks after alleged assault in Ennis

Patrick Ballard appearing at a special sitting of Ennis Court.

A mother of two who was subjected to an alleged serious assault in Ennis last month has lost her fight for life in hospital.

Wexford native Sharon Bennett died at University Hospital Limerick in the early hours of Wednesday morning 13 days after she was admitted to the hospital.

The 29-year-old was brought to hospital suffering serious head injuries after being allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend, Patrick Ballard (34) in Ennis's Market area on the evening of Thursday, January 28 last.

The mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said today: “It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear that two children will be left without their mother."

The Ennis based councillor stated: “It is so sad that they grow up and their Mammy isn’t there.” 

Patrick Ballard has been charged with assault causing harm.

Ms Bennett had her two children from a previous relationship and Cllr Howard stated: “My thoughts and prayers are with her family and her friends who are absolutely heartbroken at this time and I say that on behalf of the people of Clare.” Cllr Howard commented: “There was great fight in Sharon to fight for 13 days but it wasn’t to be."

Supt Brendan McDonagh of Ennis Garda Station stated: “It is very sad. Sharon Bennett had severe injuries to her brain and unfortunately she didn’t make it.”

 Supt McDonagh confirmed that Ms Bennett “passed away in the early hours of this morning at Limerick hospital”.

Supt McDonagh stated that Gardaí have allocated a level of resources into the investigation to date that would be normally given to a murder investigation.

He stated that following Ms Bennett’s death “we will be reviewing the charge as it stands. The accused has been charged with assault causing harm and we will consult with the DPP on the matter of further charges”.

Gardai at scene of the assault in the Market area of Ennis.

Supt McDonagh stated that Gardaí will also await the results of the post mortem on Ms Bennett’s remains and the post mortem is due to be carried out by Acting State Pathologist, Dr Linda Mulligan on Wednesday afternoon.

Supt McDonagh stated that Ms Bennett was originally from Co Wexford.

He stated: “Sharon had been living in the Corofin area of Clare before moving into the Ennis area. Sharon had been living in the Clare area for a number of years.” 

Tributes pour in

Tributes were being paid online to Ms Bennett today with one describing Sharon as “an absolute angel” with another saying that Sharon “was always so pleasant with a lovely smile”.

Patrick Ballard of Ashford Court Hotel, Ennis has been charged with assault causing harm of Ms Bennett and is currently on remand in custody at Limerick prison.

Mr Ballard is due to appear in Ennis court again via video link concerning the alleged assault next month.

When charged and cautioned by Det Garda Noelle Bergin on January 29 at Ennis Gardai Station, Mr Ballard replied “I’m sorry for what happened.” 

Det Bergin told the special court sitting in Ennis on January 30 that Ms Bennett had remained unconscious in hospital since the alleged assault as a result of sustaining serious head injuries.

Det Bergin stated that Gardaí were also opposing bail concerning the seriousness of the charge before the court.

After failing to secure bail in the district court, Mr Ballard is scheduled to apply for bail in the High Court on Thursday, February 11.