Devoted husband who killed his wife as ’act of love’ is freed
Smothering case was ‘exceptional’
A DEVOTED husband jailed for killing his terminally ill wife in “a final act of love” was freed yesterday after appeal judges quashed his sentence.
Ian Gordon, 67, was imprisoned for 40 months in October last year after admitting smothering wife Patricia, 63, with a pillow at their home in Troon, Ayrshire.
But Lord Brodie, sitting with Lord Turnbull, overturned the decision and admonished him on the culpable homicide charge.
Gordon Jackson QC, defending, told the Criminal Appeal Court in Edinburgh: “In the particular circumstances of this case, there was neither public nor private interest in the sentence of imprisonment.”
Lord Brodie said: “The taking of human life is always a matter of the utmost seriousness.
“However, having read all the material provided and having listened to what was said, we agree this is indeed an exceptional case.” The judge said it was accepted that Gordon’s actions in hastening his wife’s death were motivated “solely by love” for her.
Lord Brodie said Gordon was of apparent excellent character, had worked all his life and was devoted to his wife of 43 years.
The court heard that Patricia, who had terminal cancer, was in terrible pain and that painkillers were not working.
Mr Jackson said as the pain got worse, “Mr Gordon did what he did”.
He added: “There is absolutely no reason why this man should be in jail and certainly not for any longer.”
The appeal judges said they would give full reasons in writing for their decision at a later date.