Husband killed wife in care fear

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/7300920.stm

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A man admitted killing his wife of 30 years because he feared they would not be able to look after each other.

John Griffin, 70, and his wife Iris, 79, from Isleworth, west London, both had cancer and had no children to care for them, the Old Bailey heard.

Police were called to their home when Mr Griffin tried to hang himself from a window after the killing last August.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, in a case heard at the Old Bailey.

It is obviously a very sad case - a husband and wife that had been married for 30 years and a very loving relationship Det Sgt David Snowdon

He is due to be sentenced on 16 May.

Judge Peter Rook indicated that he would be likely to sentence Griffin to a hospital order, pending psychiatric reports.

He said: "It would appear to have been a good marriage and a loving relationship."

After the hearing on Monday, Det Sgt David Snowdon said: "It is obviously a very sad case - a husband and wife that had been married for 30 years and a very loving relationship."