Man due in court in connection with stabbing in Dún Laoghaire

A man is due in court today charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a widow in her south Dublin home.

Jane Braidwood (65), who worked as a mental health professional, was fatally stabbed at Clarinda Park East in Dún Laoghaire on Tuesday.

The mother of three grown- up children was taken to St Vincent’s hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Gardaí arrested a man in his 30s at the scene in connection with the killing and brought him to Dún Laoghaire Garda station for questioning. He is due before Dún Laoghaire District Court today.

Yesterday, gardaí called door-to-door to speak to residents on the street.Neighbours described Ms Braidwood as a dedicated mother and a friendly and reserved woman.

It is understood that Ms Braidwood’s husband, who also worked in psychology, died in the 1990s.

John Boland, a resident on the street, said he had seen the dead woman just an hour before she was attacked.

“She waved back, and said hello to me and my granddaughter. Jane was always incredibly courteous,” he said.

In shock

“Then, a short time later, she was dead. The community is in shock. It’s hard to believe what happened.”

Mr Boland said he did not know her very well but he had often chatted to her: “Jane was elegant, charming, lovely and reserved, but not in an aloof sort of way. It’s a terrible tragedy.”

Mr Boland said Ms Braidwood loved traditional Irish music and enjoyed playing instruments.

A nearby neighbour said the dead woman was originally from Australia and often travelled there, especially when her two daughters lived in Melbourne for a time.

People spoke quietly to each other as they met on the street about the murder of their long-time neighbour.

The street is a mix of Victorian-style family homes and houses converted to flats.

An elderly resident, who had grown up in the area, said the community was “shocked and devastated” for the family.

“I didn’t know her well, but Jane was a friendly person. I’m very sad to hear something like this. The poor woman,” he said.

“We’re absolutely shocked. We’re trying to explain this to our 12-year-old daughter, and it’s hard,” said a neighbour who did not wish to be named.

Later in the day, more gardaí and detectives arrived at the house.

People brought flowers to the scene.

Local resident Stephen Dixon was passing the house as he walked his dog. Mr Dixon said he remembered Ms Braidwood as an “exceptionally pleasant woman”.

“People are very shocked. It’s a really nice street to live in, people all know each other,” he said.

“They were a family, while not being aloof, they kept to themselves – a quiet family. It’s such a tragedy.”

A neighbour said Ms Braidwood had given him a lift to school when he was younger.

“She always had a calm demeanour, almost serene. I’m so shocked what has happened to the family,” he said. “It’s a horrible thing to have happened to her.”

Another neighbour said Ms Braidwood had bought a camper van and had made plans for her future since her retirement.