Jury finds that 88 year old man killed his wife
On Tuesday, a jury decided that William Haxworth, who was not present in court, "did the acts charged against him"
Last updated 2nd Sep 2025
An 88-year-old man unlawfully killed his wife of more than 60 years by smothering her in their home, a jury has decided in what a judge described as a "tragic case".
Bristol Crown Court was told that William Haxworth was charged with murdering his wife, Delia, but has been deemed to be unfit to stand trial.
On Tuesday, a jury decided that Haxworth, who was not present in court, "did the acts charged against him".
The jurors had been told by Judge William Hart that, because he had determined the defendant was unfit, they did not have to decide whether he was guilty or not guilty of murder.
Judge Hart told the jury after it returned its finding: "I'm sure you share my view, and anybody would agree, that this is a tragic case no matter where you come from and how you look at it.
"And, the friends and family of William and Delia deserve nothing but our sympathy and condolences."
The court heard how the defendant, who was 87 at the time, was spotted by members of the public threatening to jump from the top of scaffolding in the centre of Bath on June 18 2024.
Andrew Langdon KC, prosecuting, said Haxworth told those trying to help him and firefighters that he had murdered his wife.
Police went to the couple's home in Upper Lansdown Mews, in the city, where they found Mrs Haxworth, 85, "lifeless" on a bed, Mr Langdon said.
The prosecutor told the jury that a note was found, apparently written by the defendant.
The note said: "It all became too much.
"Please forgive me and wonderful Dil.
"It all seemed lacking in point. You've all been so wonderful too. And so many kind neighbours.
"Forgive. Forgive. Will."
The prosecutor said a post-mortem examination later revealed that Mrs Haxworth had been smothered.
Fire service watch manager Lee Harding told the jury on Monday how the defendant told him about his "wife of 62 years who I love very much".
He said the defendant told him his wife was "very ill", adding: "I had to kill her and now it's my turn."
The jury heard that Mrs Haxworth went to hospital after falling and hitting her head about three weeks before she died but the injuries she received are not thought to have contributed to her death.
A pathologist said she had been judged to be four on the frailty scale and she was "generally quite independent".
She had a history of bowel cancer but there was no evidence of it recurring.
Judge Hart told the jury on Tuesday that he had made the decision that Haxworth was unfit to stand trial.
He said that, in many cases, this happens because a defendant is "very seriously psychiatrically unwell", but he said: "This is not quite the position with Mr Haxworth."
The judge said the defendant's wellbeing has "fluctuated quite dramatically" in the last few months and he will decide what happens to him at a hearing on October 28, when he has a "clearer picture".
Anna Vigars KC, defending, told the court that her client spent some time in custody after he was first arrested but has been recently living in the community on bail.
Ms Vigars said: "He has spent some time receiving in-patient psychiatric care and support, but he has had throughout the care of his family and he is living with his family.
"He has their care and also the care of local general practitioners and local psychiatric services."
Haxworth was given conditional bail to appear again on October 28.