Man, 84, pleads guilty to wife’s manslaughter
A MAN of 84 has pleaded guilty to killing his 86-year-old wife.
Lawrence Franks, of Frances Avenue, Gatley, Stockport, admitted at Manchester Crown Court the manslaughter of Patricia Franks.
Franks, wearing glasses, a blue jumper and grey trousers, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.
He had been accused of murder, but prosecutors accepted a plea of manslaughter.
Franks pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder.
Charlotte Crangle, prosecuting, said that the decision to accept the plea had been taken following reports from psychiatrists, consultation with the family and with regard to the public interest. Vanessa Thomson, defending, asked that the case be adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be drawn up.
Judge David Stockdale QC, the Recorder of Manchester, adjourned sentencing until November 22.
He said: “You have now pleaded guilty to count two on the indictment, a count of manslaughter.
“That plea of guilty had been accepted by the prosecution.
“In my judgement, their decision is entirely correct.
“The case will now proceed to sentence, but not today.
“I am adjourning that sentence to November 22, at 10am.
“I order that a pre-sentence report be prepared by the probation service.
“You should understand that all sentencing options are open to the court.
“You will be remanded in custody until that hearing.” In a statement released by GMP the day after Mrs Franks’ death, officers said: “Shortly before 9:40am on Sunday 8 July 2018, police received a report that a woman had died at an address on Frances Avenue in Gatley.
“Officers attended and found the ody of a woman. Although formal identification is yet to take place, the body is believed to be that of 86-year-old Patricia Franks.”
GMP said the woman’s family were being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives and forensic officers could be seen carrying out investigations at the property.