A man who killed his wife has been sentenced after previously admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Grenville Douglas Richings, 83, of Southbourne, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Tuesday 12 December 2023 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

He previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at a hearing on Monday 27 November 2023 at Winchester Crown Court.

Dorset Police received a report at around 7pm on Saturday 3 June 2023 raising concern for the welfare of a woman at an address in Roscrea Drive off Wick Lane.

Officers attended with the ambulance service and very sadly, the woman, 83-year-old Elizabeth Richings, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Grenville Richings was also located at the address with injuries. He was arrested in connection with the death of his wife Elizabeth and taken to hospital for treatment. He remained under police guard throughout.

An investigation was launched by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) to establish the full circumstances surrounding Elizabeth’s death.

The defendant was subsequently released from hospital to police custody on Tuesday 27 June 2023 and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), he was charged in connection with Elizabeth’s death.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “This was a tragic incident that has had a devastating impact on the loved ones of Elizabeth Richings in the saddest of circumstances.

“I hope that Grenville Richings’ guilty plea and the sentence determined by the court today, following expert medical evidence, can bring some opportunity for the family to start to come to terms with the loss of Elizabeth.

“The thoughts of the investigation team and everyone at Dorset Police remain with her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”