Spouse has been subjected to toxic substances. - Penalty assigned for loving spouse's attempted homicide attempt
After giving her husband, who was struggling with severe dementia, an excessive dose of a sleeping pill, a 63-year-old woman was sentenced to 1 year and 10 months in prison, suspended for 3 years, by the Hanau Regional Court. She also needs to pay 10,000 euros to two charitable organizations.
Last March, in Gründau, Main-Kinzig district, the female defendant, aged 63, administered an overdose of the sleeping pill to her 79-year-old husband. She also consumed the mixture herself. The pair, both unconscious, were discovered in their shared bed by relatives andwere saved by emergency medical services.
Diminished Responsibility
The judges cited excessive stress, despair, lengthy periods of sleep deprivation, and alcohol consumption as the reasons for the incident. At the time of the act, the 63-year-old had over three times the legal alcohol limit in her system. As a result, she acted under diminished responsibility during that time. However, her actions were seen as calculated, as her husband was vulnerable, and she had the intention to end his life.
The defendant confessed to the incident, stating that she was overwhelmed by her caregiving responsibilities and wanted to finally rest. She expressed regret for her actions. Following the incident, she became a widow.
Prosecution and Defense Agree on Suspended Sentence
The prosecution had demanded a conviction for attempted murder under diminished responsibility. The defense, however, advocated for a conviction for grievous bodily harm. Both parties agreed on a suspended sentence.
The verdict is now final, as neither party has filed an appeal.
During the trial, the defense argued that the probationary period of caring for her husband with dementia had significantly contributed to the woman's stress and desperation. After the sentence was passed, the woman expressed her hope for a chance to use the time during her suspended probationary period to seek support and improve her coping skills.
