Woman, 73, admits to the manslaughter of her husband, 81, in Ponteland

A woman is facing spending the rest of her life behind bars after her husband was found dead in their home earlier this year.

Mother Janet Dunn appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today (Monday), where she pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On March 15, the 73-year-old had been in a disagreement with her husband, Anthony Dunn, 81, over their finances.

It was reported that Mrs Dunn then found herself holding a pillow over his face and her husband of 53 years, died as a result of her actions.

She then fled their martial home, leaving their adult daughter to discover his body and call police.

The following day Mrs Dunn was arrested and was initially charged with murder on March 17.

Today (Monday), Janet Dunn, of Beech Court, Ponteland, appeared before the court and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) later confirmed the plea was acceptable.

"An awful case"

Prosecutor Peter Glenser QC told the court the medical expert instructed by the CPS "is now privy to more information" than he had been in his initial report.

"As a result, the plea entered this morning is now acceptable to the Crown," Mr Glenser said.

The Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan QC, remanded Dunn in custody until her sentencing hearing at the same court on Thursday.

At the time of Mr Dunn's death in March, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said:

"This is an awful case that has sadly resulted in Anthony's death.

"Our thoughts are with his family as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened."

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, one of the detectives working on the case, said:

“This has been an incredibly awful case which I’m sure will have shocked the local community, and has resulted in the death of Mr Dunn.

“Our thoughts remain with his family as they continue to come to terms with this tragic incident. This guilty plea will spare them a trial and the added stress that can bring.

“I would like to thank the hard work of all the officers involved. It has been an incredibly difficult investigation but their commitment to finding justice has resulted in a detailed evidential file and a guilty plea.

“Hopefully the family can now look to move forward with their grief and find some closure with this result.”

Mrs Dunn was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on August 25.

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