Pillow 'murder bid' wife cleared

Tracey Roffey put the pillow over the face of husband Gary

A 37-year-old woman from Harlow in Essex accused of trying to suffocate her disabled husband with a pillow has been cleared of attempted murder.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Tracey Roffey put the pillow over the face of 47-year-old husband Gary for 20 to 30 seconds during a row at their home.

Mr Roffey has suffered from motor neurone disease since 2006.

The prosecution suggested Mrs Roffey tried to murder her husband because of life insurance money she would receive.

'Sad case'

She has always denied attempted murder in relation to the incident at the family home in Sheldon Close on 4 November 2008.

The defendant told the jury she was not trying to kill her husband.

Mrs Roffey explained that she was only trying to shut him up because he was making offensive remarks.

The couple, who have separated, have three children.

Outside the court, Mrs Roffey's solicitor John McBlain said his client would not comment because "she wanted to get home to her kids".

He added: "It is a very sad case. Nobody is a winner."