A MAN has been handed a two-year supervision order, despite a jury finding he unlawfully killed his wife at their Somerset home, as he was deemed not fit to stand trial.

On June 18, 2024, William Haxworth, 88, killed his 85-year-old wife Delia at their home in Upper Lansdown Mews, Bath.

Days later, Mr Haxworth was charged with murder, but as a result of his not being fit for trial, a two-day ‘finding of fact’ hearing was held at Bristol Crown Court in September to establish the details of the case – and he could not face the charge.

On Friday (December 19), Mr Haxworth appeared before His Honour Judge William Hart at the same court.

HHJ Hart explained how his options were limited by law, and that there was no question of conviction or punishment, as there had been no attempt to prove the other ingredients of the offence of murder.

He said the two-year supervision order, the maximum allowed, would include supervision by both a probation officer and a registered medical practitioner.

HHJ Hart said Mr Haxworth had had a “fixed belief” that Delia was suffering from a “very serious if not terminal” illness, describing the circumstances as “most tragic” and giving his condolences to “all who knew and loved Delia and those who care for and love you”.

READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller

Police were first alerted to the incident when concerned members of the public reported concern for the welfare of a distressed older man in Bennett Street, Bath.

The court had heard the man – later identified as Mr Haxworth – told those trying to help him that he had killed his wife, and now it was “his turn”. He repeated the remark when police arrived.

Officers went to the couple’s home and, sadly, found Mrs Haxworth deceased.

Despite his initial comments, Mr Haxworth gave officers no account of what had happened. As he was deemed unfit to stand trial, and no defence case was presented.

A postmortem examination established that Mrs Haxworth had died from suffocation, with evidence of smothering.

Detective Superintendent Tom Herbert said: “Delia’s unexpected death was not due to natural causes. Medical evidence showed that although she had some recent health issues, she had no terminal illness.

“The jury, after hearing the evidence from a thorough and necessary investigation, unanimously agreed that she was unlawfully killed by her husband.

“This is a tragic case, and our sympathies remain with the Haxworths in their loss.”

READ MORE: Man charged with murder of Delia Haxworth in Bath