Man who smothered wife of 62 years is spared jail

An 88-year-old man who killed his wife of 62 years by smothering her has been spared jail.

William Haxworth was charged with murdering his wife Delia, 85, at their home in Bath before climbing scaffolding and threatening to jump off.

At Bristol Crown Court on Friday, Judge William Hart imposed a two-year supervision order and required Haxworth to submit to medical treatment.

The defendant, who was 87 at the time, was spotted by members of the public threatening to jump from scaffolding in the city centre on 18 June 2024.

The court heard he told those trying to help him that he had murdered his wife and that she had been "very ill", adding: "I had to kill her and now it's my turn."

Judge Hart described it as a "tragic" case and said Haxworth had a "genuine belief" that his wife was suffering from a serious, terminal illness.

"I know that during the period since these proceedings started you made another attempt on your life, which has led to spending some time in hospital," he added.

"I want to express my condolences to all who cared for and loved Delia, and indeed to all those who care for and love you."

The jury previously heard that Mrs Haxworth went to hospital after falling and hitting her head about three weeks before she died, but the injuries she received are not thought to have contributed to her death.

She had a history of bowel cancer but there was no evidence of it recurring.

When police went to the couple's home in Upper Lansdown Mews, Bath, they found Mrs Haxworth, 85, "lifeless" on a bed.

The court heard a note was found, apparently written by the defendant, which said: "It all became too much.

"Please forgive me and wonderful Dil.

"It all seemed lacking in point. You've all been so wonderful too. And so many kind neighbours.

"Forgive. Forgive. Will."

The court heard a post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Haxworth had been smothered.

The jurors were told by Judge Hart that, because he had determined the defendant was unfit to stand trial, they did not have to decide whether he was guilty or not guilty of murder.

However, they determined he "did the acts charged against him".

The judge stressed the court had no powers to impose a prison sentence in this case and his options were "limited".

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