83-year-old spared prison over 'mercy killing' of his wife

Ex-cop survived suicide bid

- Ben Mitchell

A RETIRED police sergeant who strangled his seriously ill wife of nearly 60 years in an "act of mercy" has avoided going to prison.

Grenville Richings, 83, became "deeply desperate" at her constant pain and failing health, a court heard.

Richings, who admitted the manslaughter of wife Betty, 83, on June 3, tried to kill himself afterwards and wrote in his journal: "Peace, may God forgive me." Judge Timothy Mousley KC, who imposed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, told him yesterday: "You are a man of exemplary character; you have never committed any other offence.

Torment