Failed Suicide Pact Leaves Husband Alive After Killing Wife With Cancer

KEY POINTS

A British man, 73, killed his wife and failed to die by suicide in March last year
The killing was due to a pact he had made with his wife, who got diagnosed with cancer in late 2020
The man did not dispute he intended to kill his wife, but he denied murder and manslaughter charges

An elderly British man attempted to take his life after slitting his cancer-stricken wife's throat in a failed suicide pact, a court was told.

Graham Mansfield, 73, admitted to killing his wife, Dyanne Mansfield, in pursuance of a pact the couple had made, the BBC reported.

Dyanne, 71, was found slumped in a garden chair at the couple's home in Hale, Greater Manchester, in March last year.

She had bled heavily from a 6-inch "gaping incised wound," and her windpipe had been severed.

Three knives and a lump hammer were found near Dyanne's body when police arrived at the Mansfield residence on March 24.

Graham told officers he had killed his wife of 40 years at about 9 p.m. the previous day. He also attempted to take his own life but claimed it had "all gone wrong."

While Graham did not dispute he intended to kill his wife, he denied murder and manslaughter charges.

His reason for the killing provided him with a defense, the jury was told.

"He explained what he had done was in pursuance of a pact made with his wife, who had been suffering from cancer," Prosecutor David Temkin QC said.

Dyanne was diagnosed with cancer in September 2020, the Manchester Crown Court heard. It was unclear what kind of cancer she had.

In a note addressed to his family, Graham wrote, "We are sorry to burden you with this but there is no other way. When Dyanne was diagnosed with cancer, we made a pact."

"I couldn't bear to live without Dyanne and as the months progressed and as things got worse, it only reinforced our decision that the time has arrived. We hope you all understand. Don't get too upset. We have had a wonderful and happy life together," he continued.

Graham insisted he no longer wanted to kill himself a day after he got arrested.

The elderly man "felt sad his wife was no longer alive but also said he was relieved she had got her wish," according to Temkin.

The trial continues.

If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours, every day.