04/08/2008
Pensioner Banned From Pub For Murdering Wife
A 74-year-old man has been spared jail for killing his wife of more than 50 years.
Edward Flaherty was convicted of strangling Ina, 69 with a tie after she refused to give him money to go out drinking.
Lord Matthews said Flaherty's dementia made him "unsuited" to prison.
He has imposed a year-long restriction order – meaning he will be tagged – to stop him going to the pub.
Flaherty was originally charged with murdering his wife at their home in Gibson Heights, Drygate, Glasgow on April 2, last year.
A jury convicted him of a reduced charge of culpable homicide.
He will be banned from leaving his home between 11am and 11pm after being found guilty of culpable homicide.
Lord Matthews told Flaherty that under normal circumstances he would have been given a prison sentence in double figures.
"It is plain to me that if I were to impose that sort of sentence you would be released in a very short time because prison would not be able to cope with your condition.
"Sentencing you would just be a token gesture. I am anxious to impose a sentence that restricts your liberty," he said.
Flaherty, who suffers from dementia, said he had "no recollection" of killing his wife in April last year.
Defence QC Donald MacLeod said that Flaherty was a "man in significant physical and mental decline".
"He was always willing to plead guilty to culpable homicide, but this was flatly rejected by the Crown and that is why a trial was necessary.
"I am deeply conscious that there has been a death here, but this man is very unwell," he said.
It is understood that Flaherty, who has had three heart attacks, couldn't even remember who the Prime Minister was.
The court heard that he and Ina had a "strong and firm" marriage.
(DS)
Edward Flaherty was convicted of strangling Ina, 69 with a tie after she refused to give him money to go out drinking.
Lord Matthews said Flaherty's dementia made him "unsuited" to prison.
He has imposed a year-long restriction order – meaning he will be tagged – to stop him going to the pub.
Flaherty was originally charged with murdering his wife at their home in Gibson Heights, Drygate, Glasgow on April 2, last year.
A jury convicted him of a reduced charge of culpable homicide.
He will be banned from leaving his home between 11am and 11pm after being found guilty of culpable homicide.
Lord Matthews told Flaherty that under normal circumstances he would have been given a prison sentence in double figures.
"It is plain to me that if I were to impose that sort of sentence you would be released in a very short time because prison would not be able to cope with your condition.
"Sentencing you would just be a token gesture. I am anxious to impose a sentence that restricts your liberty," he said.
Flaherty, who suffers from dementia, said he had "no recollection" of killing his wife in April last year.
Defence QC Donald MacLeod said that Flaherty was a "man in significant physical and mental decline".
"He was always willing to plead guilty to culpable homicide, but this was flatly rejected by the Crown and that is why a trial was necessary.
"I am deeply conscious that there has been a death here, but this man is very unwell," he said.
It is understood that Flaherty, who has had three heart attacks, couldn't even remember who the Prime Minister was.
The court heard that he and Ina had a "strong and firm" marriage.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 October 2014
Shrien Dewani Trial Begins
British businessman Shrien Dewani has pleaded not guilt to charges of murdering his wife on honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010. At the trial, which started today, Dewani also admitted that he is bisexual.
Shrien Dewani Trial Begins
British businessman Shrien Dewani has pleaded not guilt to charges of murdering his wife on honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010. At the trial, which started today, Dewani also admitted that he is bisexual.
24 January 2011
Man Found Guilty Of Murdering Three-Year-Old Son
A man who killed his three-year-old son in a frenzied knife attack has been found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. Paul Deya, now 32, murdered his son, in their home on the Lynton Estate in Southwark on 23 November 2009. He was also found guilty of GBH with intent against his wife on the same date.
Man Found Guilty Of Murdering Three-Year-Old Son
A man who killed his three-year-old son in a frenzied knife attack has been found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. Paul Deya, now 32, murdered his son, in their home on the Lynton Estate in Southwark on 23 November 2009. He was also found guilty of GBH with intent against his wife on the same date.
13 November 2006
Suspicion that man fed wife to pigs
A 54-year-old engineer has been convicted of murdering his wife in 2002. Martin Baker of Egham, Surrey was convicted despite no trace of his wife, Tina's, body being found. The 41-year-old was last seen going to feed the animals at their farm in July 2002.
Suspicion that man fed wife to pigs
A 54-year-old engineer has been convicted of murdering his wife in 2002. Martin Baker of Egham, Surrey was convicted despite no trace of his wife, Tina's, body being found. The 41-year-old was last seen going to feed the animals at their farm in July 2002.
04 February 2015
Teen To Serve At Least 18 Years In Jail For Murdering Man In Alleyway
A teenager has been sentenced to at least 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of stabbing a man to death in an argument over a cigarette. Kai Steele, 18, from Charlton, received the indefinite sentence, after a jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of murdering Alex Scott, 26, in an alleyway in south east London last year.
Teen To Serve At Least 18 Years In Jail For Murdering Man In Alleyway
A teenager has been sentenced to at least 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of stabbing a man to death in an argument over a cigarette. Kai Steele, 18, from Charlton, received the indefinite sentence, after a jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of murdering Alex Scott, 26, in an alleyway in south east London last year.
24 January 2012
Man Convicted Of Murdering Man, 79
A 27-year-old has been convicted of brutally murdering an elderly man in London. Andrew Monk, 27, of Abergeldie Road, SE12 was on Tuesday found guilty of the murder of James Land, 79, at Mr Land's home in Whitefoot Terrace, Lewisham on 10 May 2011.
Man Convicted Of Murdering Man, 79
A 27-year-old has been convicted of brutally murdering an elderly man in London. Andrew Monk, 27, of Abergeldie Road, SE12 was on Tuesday found guilty of the murder of James Land, 79, at Mr Land's home in Whitefoot Terrace, Lewisham on 10 May 2011.