MIRFIELD MAN NIGEL AUDSLEY FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR WIFE'S MURDER AFTER CLAIMING POSSESSION BY THE DEVIL
A jury has determined that a 65-year-old man murdered his wife and subsequently told police he was under the influence of demonic possession.Nigel Audsley was declared mentally unfit for trial, but the jury at Leeds Crown Court found him responsible for Patricia Audsley's death.
The court heard during Monday's proceedings that between March 23 and 25 of the previous year, Mr.
Audsley assaulted and stabbed his wife at their home located on Eastway in Mirfield.
Prosecutor David Enoch QC informed the jury that prior to her death, Mrs.
Audsley had voiced concerns over her husband's mental health, requested a neighbor to check on them more often, and contacted police, reporting that her husband was hearing voices.
He recounted: "On March 24, 2021, she dialed 999 and spoke with a police operator, expressing concern that her husband needed hospital care and that his mental state was troubling her.
She told them he was hearing voices, which was a symptom he frequently experienced." Later forensic analysis revealed blood matching Mrs.
Audsley's DNA on her husband's boxer shorts and the back of his legs.
On March 25, Mr.
Audsley contacted the police, claiming, "Some b****** has murdered my wife." He explained that he discovered her in the living room after waking up and that she was covered with a blanket that wasn’t theirs.
He admitted he had been drinking alcohol before going to bed.
Police officers responded, with one going into the backyard alongside Mr.
Audsley, who pointed out a kitchen knife and appeared with a scratch on his face.
During detention at the police station, he was deemed unfit for interview following a medical assessment that suggested he might have experienced auditory hallucinations.
Enoch stated: "He claimed to hear voices, specifically that of the devil, and stated he was possessed." On March 26, further assessments noted his speech was monotone and emotionless, sometimes laced with a threatening tone.
He said, "I'm unwell, and when I become unwell, I get depressed.
When I’m depressed, I feel powerful.
You don't understand what you’re dealing with." He requested hospital transfer, citing the lack of medication while in custody, explaining this contributed to his instability and insisting he needed treatment at the Priestley Unit for his own safety.
A hospital specializing in mental health care has detained Mr.
Audsley indefinitely.
His mental health will be regularly assessed, and if he is deemed capable of standing trial, he will be brought back to court to face charges.
