BELFAST MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER OF WIFE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE
Gary Alexander Baird admitted killing his wife, Susan Baird, at their Belfast home in 2020.She died after suffering catastrophic head injuries, including skull fractures, brain lacerations, and bruising, following an attack with a hammer.
At Belfast Crown Court, Baird pleaded not guilty to murder, but the prosecution accepted his plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Baird was remanded into custody to be sentenced on 8 July.
Psychiatric evidence and victim impact statements will be considered during sentencing.
The first trial earlier this year collapsed after jurors were dismissed due to legal issues.
It was established that Susan Baird was identified from her dental records due to the severity of her injuries.
Baird was detained in Belfast City Hospital's mental health unit for over a year following the death.
On 16 August 2020, Baird called 999 stating, "I've just murdered my wife," after attacking her with a hammer and then turning the weapon on himself, claiming that "the voices in my head told me to do it." Police found him with a head wound and Susan Baird dead on a sofa, with evidence indicating he inflicted the fatal injuries.
