Son not guilty of mother’s murder by reason of insanity

A 32-year-old man who stabbed his mother to death with a kitchen knife before attacking his sister and a passer-by has been found not guilty of murder and assault by reason of insanity.

Fionn Braidwood, of Clarinda Park East, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, was charged with murdering his mother, Jane Braidwood, aged 65, on January 20, 2015, at the same address.

Mr Braidwood pleaded not guilty to murdering Jane Braidwood at the Central Criminal Court. He also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to Ceili Braidwood and Anthony Maguire at the same address and on the same date.

The court heard retired psychiatrist Jane Braidwood died after receiving three stab wounds to her chest.

Two consultant psychiatrists gave evidence that Mr Braidwood was suffering from schizophrenia and would have been unable to refrain from his actions. They both said that he met the requirements for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Yesterday, after deliberating for 32 minutes, a jury returned verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity on the three counts.

Ms Justice Carmel Stewart then made an order committing Mr Braidwood to the Central Mental Hospital. He will be brought back before the court on December 16.

The judge also directed the preparation of a psychiatric assessment by an approved medical officer. Ms Justice Stewart expressed her sympathies to the Braidwood family. “It’s been a very distressing case,” she said.