HAWORTH MAN CLEMENT CALLAGHAN, 80, JAILED FOR KILLING WIFE
Clement Callaghan, an 80-year-old resident of Haworth in West Yorkshire, received a three-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.He caused the death of his 76-year-old wife, Eileen, by strangling her with a dog lead, following an attack with a hammer.
The fatal incident took place at their residence in August.
It was reported in court that Callaghan had been battling depression and became severely depressed in the weeks preceding the event.
After the act, he drove to a lay-by near Haworth and attempted to hang himself, but was saved by paramedics and medical professionals.
During the trial, it was highlighted that Callaghan, who had spent around six months in custody on remand, had led an otherwise blameless life until this uncharacteristic act.
The court noted his depression, and he was found to have written remorseful notes, including the words, 'I'm sorry.' His GP described the killing as 'extraordinarily out of character,' and the sentencing took into account the tragic and unusual nature of the circumstances behind the crime.
