Dementia sufferer killed wife and left her body in pool of blood just days before anniversary
11.04.2024 - 19:39
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A confused pensioner carried out a murderous attack which left his wife dead in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor of their family home.
Dementia sufferer John Pryde carried out a "sustained and violent attack" which killed Kate Pryde, 74, as they approached their Golden Wedding anniversary.
The High Court in Dundee heard how Pryde - known as Ian - inflicted injuries on his wife which were equivalent to her having been in a car crash.
Mrs Pryde, who was underweight and had an underlying heart problem, sustained significant rotational injuries and 16 fractures to her ribs.
Her voice box was broken and she was covered in injuries to her head and body which suggested she had tried to fight off her husband's attack.
Advocate Depute Mark Mohammed said: "It is entirely obvious from the evidence that the deceased was assaulted. The assault was murderous.
"It is clear this was a sustained and violent attack and, in the words of the pathologist, is indicative of significant force to the head and neck. This was clearly a very tragic case for all the parties and all family members from both sides of the family. The Crown accepts that what the accused did was totally out of character.
"This was an entirely happy, normal and loving relationship and his actions that night were entirely driven by his significant cognitive impairment and that is the only reason this has happened."
Lord Arthurson ruled: "I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the acts libelled, and further, that on the balance of probabilities there are grounds for his acquittal.
"This is a truly tragic case. The couple married in 1973. As at the date of Mrs Pryde's death plans were being made to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary.
"The