A MAN from Earley has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence after he admitted killing his elderly wife last year.
Philip Williamson, 89, of Elm Lane, pleaded guilty to killing his wife of 60 years, Josephine Williamson, 83, at their home on November 21.
Mr Williamson admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Reading Crown Court today.
He was sentenced at the same hearing to a two year suspended prison sentence.
Mrs Williamson was found to have been pushed down the stairs and strangled. A post-mortem took place and the cause of death was found to be compression of the neck.
Mr Williamson sustained self inflicted injuries to his stomach during the incident and was transported to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
He was arrested on November 21 and charged with murder on March 9 this year.
Investigating officer, Det Insp Stuart Blaik from Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “Today Phillip Williamson pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his wife Josephine Williamson by way of diminished responsibility.
“Mr and Mrs Williamson had been married for more than 60 years in what has been described as a caring and loving marriage. It is terribly sad that Josephine’s life ended in such tragic circumstances. The Williamson family have been very supportive of the police investigation and cooperated throughout in extremely difficult and distressing circumstances.
“My condolences and those of Thames Valley Police remain with the family at this difficult time.”