Warrington pensioner spared jail after trying to kill his wife so she wouldn't have to go into a home.

A 95-year-old man who admitted trying to kill his wife has been spared jail after she begged him to take her life because she didn't want to die in a care home or a hospital.

Denver Beddows from Dam Lane in Woolston contacted emergency services after attacking 88-year-old Olive with a pan and a hammer on the morning of Saturday 4th February 2017.

Police found Olive with serious injuries and Denver in a distressed state. A thorough investigation took place into the tragic incident which saw Beddows charged with attempted murder.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the couple's marriage was perfect and happy'' but both their physical and mental health suffered after Mrs Beddows was involved in a car accident about nine months before the attack.

Mrs Beddows dreaded being take into care and repeatedly asked the defendant, who had suffered long-term depression himself, to kill her before, under immense pressure'', he hit her with a pan before he struck a number of blows to her head with a hammer.

Sentencing the pensioner - who had been in custody since the incident - the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Clement Goldstone QC, said a judge's last remark in a case was usually the actual sentence but he told Beddows immediately that he would not be going to jail so as not to "prolong his agony".

Judge Goldstone noted that his wife had forgiven Beddows and that she wished to be reunited with him.

He said: That is indeed true love, no doubt earned by you over 65 years of devoted and loyal, loving married life, described by you as perfect and happy.

It is an irony that, following your attack upon her, you rued the fact that she had not died because you regarded yourself as having failed her by failing in your efforts to kill her.

There is no place in a case of this kind for the inflexible application of sentencing guidelines and the guidelines acknowledge as much in the case of what would have been a mercy killing had it succeeded.

Whether you will be able to spend the rest of your days together is not a decision for me. I know that will not be facilitated or allowed to happen if the authorities consider that your wife remains at risk from a further attack from you, whatever your motives may be.''

Detective Inspector Paul Hughes said: “Olive amazingly survived her attack although she does remain in hospital with serious injuries. She has shown amazing determination and courage to provide herself with the best opportunity for recovery with the help of marvellous medical staff.”

Reflecting on the case, DI Hughes said: “This case has been difficult for all involved and has significantly impacted on Olive, Denver and their family, the ordeal has truly tested them. The courage they have shown from receiving the phone call from Denver on the Saturday morning, through to sentencing has been truly remarkable.

“Out of the blue, lives changed on that Saturday back in February and I hope they can now begin to try and rebuild their lives and eventually come to terms with the events of that heart-breaking day, which had such a devastating impact on all family members.”

The family said in a statement: “As a family we are trying to come to terms with the tragic events that took place on February 4th.

“The last 12 months have been particularly difficult, as we all attempted to cope with Mum’s mental illness, which is still yet to be diagnosed.

“At present we are supporting both Mum and Dad, and ask for some privacy whilst we come to terms with the situation.”

Mr Beddows has been given a two year sentence suspended for two years.