CWMBRAN MAN SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF WIFE IN LOCKDOWN
At 70 years old, Anthony Williams was involved in the manslaughter of his wife Ruth during the first COVID-19 lockdown in March.While he was clear of murder charges at Swansea Crown Court, he admitted to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
The court was told that Williams, suffering from anxiety and depression, had gone several days without sleep due to worries over money, health concerns, and the pandemic situation.
A psychiatrist testified that his mental health had significantly declined after his retirement in 2019, with the pandemic adding further strain.
Williams told police that he had 'flipped' and strangled his wife following an argument on 28 March, insisting that he did not intend to kill her.
Judge Mr.
Paul Thomas described the case as 'tragic on several levels', emphasizing that Ruth Williams, aged 67 and in good health, lost her life at the hands of her partner, who loved her for nearly fifty years.
Ruth was discovered collapsed in the porch of their home, with keys in her hand, and later died at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.
Williams showed remorse in his police interviews, saying, 'It wasn’t murder and I didn’t mean to murder her.
I just flipped, it wasn’t me.
I wouldn’t hurt a fly, it wasn’t me, I don’t know what came over me.' The case also brought to light family issues, including concerns from his daughter Emma about his behavior, as well as social media controversy involving local politicians connected to the case.
