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'Deeply desperate' churchgoing ex-police officer, 83, who strangled his seriously ill wife to death just before their Diamond wedding anniversary after becoming frustrated at NHS delays in her treatment is spared jail

Related Topics: Katherine Draycott

A 'deeply desperate' husband who killed his seriously ill wife after becoming frustrated at NHS delays in her treatment has today been spared jail.

Retired police officer Grenville Richings, 83, strangled elderly spouse Elizabeth to death after she was left 'crushed with pain' following a serious fall and delayed health service appointments.

Just as the couple were approaching their Diamond wedding anniversary, devoted Mr Richings killed the retired nurse before kissing her and lying her on the sofa with her arms crossed over her chest.

The churchgoer then made a suicide attempt and wrote in his journal - which he would use to write about his wife's declining health - 'Peace, may God forgive me'.