A pensioner who cut the throat of his late wife in a failed suicide has escaped from prison.
Graham Mansfield, 73, said he had killed cancer patient Diane Mansfield, 71, a few months after asking her to take her own life “when things got worse”.
A retired airport baggage handler told the Manchester City Crown “the saddest word I’ve ever heard” but claimed to have carried out his wife’s wishes “in an act of love”.
She said she agreed to his request as long as she could kill herself because she couldn’t live without him.
It took 10 jurors 90 minutes to convict Mansfield of the murder, but he was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
However, today he was free after being sentenced by a judge who described the situation as “exceptional” with two years of suspended sentence.
Manchester lay in a blood clot at a couple’s home in Hale, Manchester, but Mrs Manchester’s body was found lying on a bench at the bottom of the garden.
Police and rescue personnel attended the Canterbury Road terraced property on March 24, 2021, after he called 999.
The retiree left a suicide note and apologized for “burdening” his family, but said “there is no other way.”
“If it gets too bad for Diane, we’ve agreed to end it,” he said.
I couldn’t live without Diana, and as the months went by and she got worse, it only strengthened our determination that the time had come. Thank you for understanding her.
“Don’t be too nervous. We live a wonderful and happy life together.”
Another memorandum included instructions on where to find the key to her house and how to contact her sister, but Ms Mansfield did not sign, the court heard.
The couple’s family, friends and neighbors often spoke of the defendant, explaining his “unwavering dedication” to his wife.
Mansfield has denied murder and pleaded guilty to other charges of involuntary manslaughter because his actions were “extorted.”
After sentencing, Judge Guz told the defendant, “The situation in this case is tragic for you and is unique in the experience of this court.
“You were under a lot of emotional pressure. I am completely happy that you acted out of love for your wife.
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Source: Metro
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