SOMERSET MAN JAILED AFTER KILLING WIFE WITH DEMENTIA
The court proceedings revealed that Malcolm Beardon, aged 79 and from Wellington, acknowledged his role in the manslaughter of his wife Margaret, who was 78 years old when she was found deceased at their residence in Wellington on 15 July.Beardon had been providing care for his wife, who was suffering from dementia, for over ten years and explained that he had 'snapped' before choking her to death.
The prosecution accepted his plea of manslaughter, citing that he had lost control due to the prolonged stress associated with caregiving.
Beardon received a sentence of 12 months in prison.
Judge Graham Cottle described Beardon as a man of 'impeccable character' but stated, 'I am sure that what you did will haunt you for the rest of your days.' It was also reported that as her dementia progressed, Mrs.
Beardon no longer recognized her home, her family, or her husband.
Following the incident, Beardon contacted his daughter to notify her of what had happened.
A representative from the Alzheimer's Society commented on the significant emotional and physical toll that caring for individuals with dementia entails, describing it as a '24-seven job' that is draining for everyone involved.
