A PENSIONER tried to kill his wife 'he loved dearly' by subjecting her to repeated blows with a hammer because she was afraid of 'ending her days in a hospital', a court heard.

Denver Beddows, of Dam Lane, Woolston, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing today, Tuesday, following a guilty plea.

The 95-year-old, who has no previous convictions, used a hearing aid in the dock during the proceedings.

His wife Olive Beddows, 88, was rushed to Aintree Hospital where she fought for her life after suffering serious injuries on the morning of February 4.

The court heard Beddows was under 'immense pressure' in the days leading up to the 'mercy act', in which he hit his wife of 65 years with a ceramic pan and subjected her to a repeated attack with a hammer, after which he called his son to tell him he tried to kill his mum.

She suffered multiple skull fractures, as well as lacerations to the scalp and left forearm but the court heard she is making a 'significant recovery'.

During the proceedings, the court was told Beddows 'loved his wife dearly' and he described their 65-year marriage as 'perfect and happy'.

Prosecution barrister Anya Horwood said Olive became 'more anxious and her mental health became more fragile' in the weeks before the attempted murder.

She added: "She was treated at Aintree trauma unit then transferred to Warrington Hospital.


"On Friday she moved to a specialist hospital in Wigan, her condition is much improved.

"She finds it difficult to accept but very clearly she wishes to spend her time with him."

The court heard Beddows felt as though he 'failed' his wife after not being able to kill her following 'repeated requests' asking him to do so.

Defence barrister Philip Tully said Beddows, who was called into the RAF at 19 and ran a car body repair business for 40 years, had a long history of depression.

He confirmed his client had 'a great deal of mental strain' following the February incident.

"He's a man who loved his wife dearly – he described his 65-year marriage as perfect and happy," he added.

"The hospital where she is she likes – and is being well cared for there.

"The family have been very supportive and the son lives a short distance from the family home so he can provide assistance to Mr Beddows and keep an eye on him to ensure there are no further issues."

Judge Clement Goldstone QC sentenced Beddows to two years in prison, suspended for two years.

Judge Goldstone said Beddows carried out the attack for 'one reason and one reason alone'.

He added: "She did not wish to end her days in a home or hospital.

"You were under immense pressure in the days coming up to your attempt to kill her and your acts were acts of last resort.

"I am confident you have learned, if there was a lesson to be learned, from the awfulness of your conduct.

"Your wife has forgiven you and wishes to be reunited."

Judge Goldstone confirmed it will be up for the authorities to decide whether the pair can live together again.

Olive Beddows remains in hospital.

The family released a statement saying: “As a family we are trying to come to terms with the tragic events that took place on February 4th.

“The last 12 months have been particularly difficult, as we all attempted to cope with mum’s mental illness, which is still yet to be diagnosed.

“At present we are supporting both mum and dad, and ask for some privacy whilst we come to terms with the situation.”

DI Paul Hughes from Cheshire Police said the whole family has shown 'amazing' courage since the incident: “Olive amazingly survived her attack although she does remain in hospital with serious injuries.

"She has shown amazing determination and courage to provide herself with the best opportunity for recovery with the help of marvellous medical staff.

“This case has been difficult for all involved and has significantly impacted on Olive, Denver and their family, the ordeal has truly tested them.

"The courage they have shown from receiving the phone call from Denver on the Saturday morning, through to sentencing has been truly remarkable.

“Out of the blue, lives changed on that Saturday back in February and I hope they can now begin to try and rebuild their lives and eventually come to terms with the events of that heart-breaking day, which had such a devastating impact on all family members.”