THE family of an Irish mum killed in a Spanish hotel have issued a plea for funds over the upcoming court battle.
Dubliner Kirsty Ward, 36, was found dead in the corridor of the Magnolia Hotel in Costa Dorada holiday resort in Salou, northeastern Spain at around 9.30pm on July 2, 2023.
Her family are now taking further legal action[/caption]
In November, her ex-boyfriend Keith Byrne, 33, was charged with the Kirsty’s murder after his arrest nearly two years ago, which he has denied.
A post mortem revealed Kirsty had died as a result of strangulation.
Byrne remains in custody in Spain as he awaits trial.
Now, Kirsty’s heartbroken family have been advised to take separate legal action against Byrne while the trial takes place.
Unlike in Ireland, Spain’s legal system allows the family to take legal action alongside the criminal case.
The family of the Dublin mum have shared that they will be taking the separate and private legal action, but this comes at a costly amount.
Due to it taking place abroad, local solicitors, translators, flights, accommodation and other expenses are needed.
The family said: “Kirsty was an amazing beautiful young woman and a mother who had her whole life to look forward to and is sadly missed by her loving son, parents, brother, sister, grandparents and friends.
“In Spain the family of the victim are allowed to take a case against the accused at the same time as the state is prosecuting the accused.
“Because of the circumstances of Kirsty’s passing and how the legal system works in Spain, the family was strongly advised to take a private legal action alongside the public case.
“Taking a case like this in another country is not an easy undertaking and involves employing local solicitors, translators, flights, accommodation and so many other additional expenses.”
Kirsty’s family estimate that the case could cost them upwards of €60,000.
‘EMOTIONALLY DRAINING’
They have launched a GoFundMe in hopes of raising money to continue in their pursuit of justice.
The GoFundMe organiser continued: “While suffering the loss of their daughter and now caring for their grandchild, the family have decided to act and pursue the legal case as advised to seek justice for Kirsty.
“The provisional estimate for fighting a case like this will be well in excess of €60,000 which is emotionally and financially draining.
“All monies raised here will be used to reduce the legal end of this burden.”
The family has set a target of €24,000, with over €17,000 raised already.
You can help donate to their fundraiser here.
