84-year-old man given hospital order for wife's murder in Mullion

84-YEAR-OLD MAN GIVEN HOSPITAL ORDER FOR WIFE'S MURDER IN MULLION

A well-regarded elderly individual, Donald Hickery, was sentenced after a jury found him guilty of fatally stabbing his wife, Jill Hickery.

The attack occurred in their residence in Mullion, located in west Cornwall, in May.

According to reports, Hickery, aged 84, used a knife to stab his wife, who was 82, in the back while she was washing herself in their bathroom.

Despite Mrs.

Hickery managing to contact emergency services by calling 999 and descending the stairs, she died from her injuries during the call.

Hickery faced charges of murder but was declared unfit to participate in court proceedings due to severe dementia.

Medical experts testified confirming his mental state.

Judge Robert Linford described the incident as “an explosion of violence utterly out of character” for Hickery, who had no prior convictions.

The court was told that Hickery was unaware of his actions and believed his wife had passed away due to natural causes.

The judge stressed the emotional pain endured by their children and noted Hickery’s mental condition at the time.

A hospital order was issued, intending for Hickery to receive treatment in a healthcare facility where his condition could potentially improve.

The case was described as tragic, leaving the family to mourn their loss.

This incident underscores the severe impact of dementia and the challenges faced by the justice system in handling such complex cases.