Man who smothered sick wife freed

An 86-year-old "devoted husband" who admitted smothering his housebound wife has been spared jail at the Old Bailey.

Sidney Norton, from New Cross, south-east London, was the sole carer of Betty, 85, after she had a stroke.

Norton killed his wife of 57 years in Lewisham Hospital on 2 November, as he was worried who would care for her.

He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was given a nine-month suspended sentence. A murder charge was withdrawn.

'Thoughtful husband'

Judge Brian Barker, the Common Sergeant of London, said: "The last thing that you had wanted to do was this and you had clearly dedicated yourself to your wife's welfare.

"I am totally convinced you are a thoughtful, kind and honest man and had been a devoted husband."

Following the ruling Norton thanked friends and police saying: "I haven't had anyone that has failed to support me.

"I feel I must say thank you."

The charge of murder against Norton was dropped after two psychiatrists found his actions were "the product of the extremely stressful situation in which he found himself", the court heard during the trial.

He was and is a wonderful man who needs to re-establish himself and his life in his remaining years Alan Norton, son, speaking about his father

Mrs Norton suffered a stroke in 2000 and since then her health had deteriorated.

She was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year and in October was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains.

Norton refused help from social services and continued to be her sole carer.

He smothered her with two plastic bags.

'Dying together'

After killing his wife Norton went home and called his niece and told her about it and threatened to take his own life too.

He had previously also told a GP that "he and his wife had talked about dying together" but decided it would be unfair on their son Alan.

The doctor felt Norton was "distressed" but would not act on it, the court heard.

Following the sentencing Alan Norton said of his father in a statement: "He was and is a wonderful man who needs to re-establish himself and his life in his remaining years with help from his family and friends."

The judge told Norton: "It was increasingly difficult for you to shoulder that burden.

"Society may understand your act but they cannot condone it.

"But there are proper reasons why the circumstances in this case are so exceptional that a custodial sentence should be suspended."