A HARNHAM mother-of-three, who moved to Ireland to start a new life, has died following a savage attack at her home.

Janet Chaney was rushed to Louth County Hospital, near the Irish border town of Dundalk, at around midday last Wednesday, but passed away an hour later.

The 47-year-old was unconscious when she arrived in the ambulance. Injury marks identified on her body during a post-mortem showed she had been badly beaten.

Her Irish partner, David Hughes, who raised the alarm and contacted emergency services, was arrested and charged in connection with her death.

The daughter of a serviceman, Ms Chaney was born in Cyprus and lived in Harnham for several years.

She had many friends in Salisbury and after completing her A-levels, Ms Chaney did a variety of jobs, working as a dental nurse, carer, cook and barmaid.

She leaves three children, Jason (28), Duncan (23), and Gillian (19), who travelled from Salisbury to Ireland after being told of the tragedy by British police.

An Irish police spokesman said Ms Chaney met 43-year-old Hughes, from Dundalk, in Salisbury and settled with him in Ireland five years ago.

The couple moved to the house at Oakland Park, Cox's Demesne, where Ms Chaney was attacked, last autumn.

Police have now sealed off the property while forensic examinations are carried out.

Unemployed Hughes has appeared before Drogheda district court accused of assaulting Ms Chaney and causing her harm.

He made no reply when formally charged and has been remanded in custody.

Hughes has been granted legal aid although a trial is unlikely to take place for several months.

Ms Chaney's body has been brought back to Salisbury and her funeral will take place at All Saints Church, Harnham, at 11am on Tuesday.