Cornish pensioner who stabbed wife to death given indefinite hospital order
82-year-old Jill Hickery was found dead at the couple's home in Mullion
Last updated 29th Oct 2021
An 84-year-old man has been given an indefinite hospital order for killing his wife in Cornwall.
Police say 82-year-old Jill Hickery suffered multiple stab wounds at the couple's home in Mullion.
What are the facts of the case?
Police were called to LaFlouder Fields shortly after 11am on Saturday 29th May, after reports a woman had been stabbed inside an address.
Emergency services attended the scene where Jill was confirmed deceased.
Forensic enquires confirmed that she had sustained multiple, un-survivable, stab wounds.
Donald Hickery was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody where he was later charged to appear at Truro Magistrates Court on 31st May.
Following psychiatric reports, it was concluded that Mr Hickery was deemed unfit to plead and could not stand trial.
On Thursday 28 October, Judge Linford sentenced the 84-year-old to an indefinite hospital order after a jury was brought in to assess the facts and agreed the pensioner had killed his wife.
'My thoughts remain with Jill's family and friends'
Senior investigating officer, Acting Detective Inspector Nigel Green said: "This investigation has involved several months of psychiatric evaluation of the offender alongside the criminal investigation.
"Following the sentence passed by the judge, Donald Hickery will remain in a hospital facility under the order and will not be considered for release into the community until it is deemed safe for him to do so.
"My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Jill and I thank them for their assistance and support of our investigation over the past months; during what has been a very challenging time for them".