Man jailed for trying to kill ex-model wife

A debt-ridden man who attempted to smother his elderly wife - a former model who starred in the UK's first TV advert - was sentenced to eight years in prison today.

Depressed Peter Nunn, 63, decided to take his wife's life and then his own at their home in Wookey, near Wells, Somerset, after falling into financial ruin.

Margaret Nunn, 80, woke in the early hours of May 27 last year to discover her husband, a former financial advisor, smothering her with a pillow.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC sentenced Nunn - who pleaded guilty to attempted murder at a previous hearing - to eight years in prison, of which he must serve at least half.

A restraining order was made against Nunn prohibiting him from directly or indirectly contacting his wife - who now lives alone in a one-bedroom flat on benefits - for the rest of his life.