Stab victim’s children took own lives

THE 42-year-old victim of a stabbing incident in Waterford city on Monday night suffered a double family tragedy in recent years, it emerged last night.

The woman is in a stable condition in hospital but not well enough to speak to gardaí.

It is understood she had two children, both of whom committed suicide in recent years.

Monday night’s incident is believed to have happened after a day-long drinking session at a rented flat on William Street in the city led to arguments that erupted into a fight.

The woman sustained stab wounds to the neck, inflicted with a knife, and injuries to the head and ribs.

She was brought by ambulance to Waterford Regional Hospital.

Yesterday, she was described as being in a “stable” condition. However, she remains under sedation.

The incident happened at about 10.30pm on Monday.

A number of people who were in the flat at the time have been spoken to by gardaí, while one 18-year-old woman was arrested.

She was being held yesterday under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and her custody time was extended at 3pm.

There was speculation last night that, as the stabbing victim remained under sedation, a file would have to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions before any decision could be made regarding any possible criminal charge.