Bexhill man sentenced for killing his wife

A Bexhill man has been given a custodial Hospital Order after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his wife.

John Smith 79, of Watermill Lane, Bexhill, appeared in custody at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 28 March, having admitted at a previous hearing the manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, of his wife, Carol, 75, at that address on 6 February 2021, and with unlawful possession of a .22 revolver.

He was given Hospital Orders under Section 37 and Section 41 of the Mental Health Act, authorising his detention until further assessment.

Emergency services had been called to the address where they found the body of Carol, and postmortem examination confirmed that death had been caused by a shot from the revolver found at the scene.

John Smith was also found at the address, having sustained a bullet wound to the head from the same weapon and was taken straight to hospital for treatment which has been continuing. He was arrested and later interviewed under caution.

Detective Inspector Duncan Elliott from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Unit said: “This was a tragic incident which has left the family devastated, and our thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time. On their behalf we would ask the media and public to continue to respect their privacy."