Courts / Dublin / Report

Man who stabbed mother to death with kitchen knife found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity

Date
2016-12-06

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 32‑year‑old man, Fionn Braidwood, was found not guilty of murder and assault by reason of insanity after stabbing his 65‑year‑old mother, Jane Braidwood, with a kitchen knife on 20 January 2015. He also attacked his sister Ceili Braidwood and passer‑by Anthony Maguire at the same address. Two consultant psychiatrists testified that Braidwood suffered from schizophrenia and could not control his actions. The jury returned a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after 32 minutes of deliberation. Justice Carmel Stewart ordered Braidwood to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital and to appear again on 16 December. The judge exempted the jury from further service for ten years and expressed sympathy to the Braidwood family. The prosecution had argued that Braidwood's non‑compliance with medication and severe psychiatric symptoms made him incapable of restraint at the time of the offence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who stabbed mother to death with kitchen knife found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: murdering his mother Jane Braidwood (65) on January 20, 2015 at the same address; murdering Ms Braidwood at the Central Criminal Court; assault causing harm to Ceili Braidwood and Anthony Maguire at the same address and on the same date. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

January 20, 2015 Incident
December 16 Hearing Or Sentence
November 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2015 Incident
Christmas Other
2016-12-06 Publication

Why: He also agreed that the accused had a very significant need for regular medication in order to prevent any deterioration in his mental state. CNI source report

Case subjects

Fionn Braidwood

Accused

Charges: murdering his mother Jane Braidwood (65) on January 20, 2015 at the same address; murdering Ms Braidwood at the Central Criminal Court; assault causing harm to Ceili Braidwood and Anthony Maguire at the same address and on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity

Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity