Trial of facts finds woman unlawfully killed husband at Brighton flat
The trial of facts at Lewes Crown Court this week examined the death of 70-year-old Andrew Rowland-Stuart in May 2024
A jury has found that a woman unlawfully killed her husband at their flat in Brighton in May 2024.
The trial of facts at Lewes Crown Court this week examined the death of 70-year-old Andrew Rowland-Stuart, who was found dead from stab wounds at his Lavender Street home on the evening of 27 May 2024.
His wife, 71-year-old Joanna Rowland-Stuart, was arrested and charged with murder soon after. Following a psychiatric assessment, she was deemed not fit to plead, a decision confirmed by a judge on 21 July.
The trial of facts then took place to determine if she unlawfully caused her husband’s death. On 24 July, the jury concluded she did commit the act. She was given an indefinite hospital order under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell of Sussex Police said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Andrew and we want to thank everyone who has assisted us in this complex investigation.”
Andrew’s family expressed their gratitude in a statement, saying: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with this case over the past year. To DC Anna Stacey for her care and communication with the family while we were in England and back home in New Zealand, and to Andrew’s Sussex 4x4 family, especially Jason who helped us immensely while we were there.”