HOSPITAL ORDER FOR WOMAN WHO KILLED HUSBAND
A woman who murdered her husband using a gardening tool and then set his body ablaze has been subject to an indefinite order for detention at a mental health hospital.In April 2024, Susan Poole, 53 years old, was responsible for the death of 92-year-old David Hart in their garden in Shetland Close, Shipley.
Because she was diagnosed with schizophrenia, she was found unfit to stand trial.
However, a jury at Bradford Crown Court found that she had carried out the acts she was accused of.
The court remanded her to Rampton Hospital, with Mr Justice Cotter noting that Mr Hart’s death occurred under "terrifying circumstances" while he was attempting to defend himself.
During the four-day legal proceedings, jurors heard that Mr Hart was heard calling for help on the day he died.
Eyewitnesses described seeing him on the ground in a "pool of blood" before Poole set fire to his body.
Footage from police body cameras presented in court showed law enforcement entering the rear garden shortly thereafter, where Poole was seen pouring fuel on herself inside an outbuilding before she was restrained.
It was reported that she kept referencing "Jesus" and asked for her Bible at the time of her arrest.
Mr Justice Cotter explained that because of Poole’s ongoing severe psychotic disorder, placing her in a hospital was the most suitable decision under the Mental Health Act.
He further imposed a restriction order, which prevents her from being released unless approved by the Secretary of State or a mental health tribunal.
Additionally, he stated that if Poole were ever found to be fit to stand trial, she could be prosecuted at that point.
