Pensioner jailed for killing wife

A pensioner who smothered his 75-year-old wife in a "mercy killing" has been jailed for two years.

George Webb, 73, was cleared of murdering his wife Beryl at Sheffield Crown Court but found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Webb waved to his family in the public gallery after the sentence was passed.

The court heard how Mrs Webb had a number of ailments and had considered suicide for years. She had begged her husband to help her die.

On 14 May this year she attempted to kill herself. When Webb feared she had not succeeded he smothered his sleeping wife with a plastic bag and a towel.