Mother, 73, set for life behind bars after manslaughter of husband of 53 years

A 73-year-old woman may spend the rest of her life behind bars after killing her 81-year-old husband after 53 years of marriage.

Janet Dunn pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, August 22.

It was reported that the woman found herself holding a pillow over husband Anthony Dunn's face after a disagreeement over finances.

Ms Dunn then fled their martial home, leaving their adult daughter to discover his body and call police.

The following day Mrs Dunn, of Beech Court, Ponteland, was arrested and was initially charged with murder on March 17.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, one of the detectives working on the case, said: “This has been an incredibly awful case which I’m sure will have shocked the local community, and has resulted in the death of Mr Dunn.

“Our thoughts remain with his family as they continue to come to terms with this tragic incident. This guilty plea will spare them a trial and the added stress that can bring.

“I would like to thank the hard work of all the officers involved. It has been an incredibly difficult investigation but their commitment to finding justice has resulted in a detailed evidential file and a guilty plea.

“Hopefully the family can now look to move forward with their grief and find some closure with this result.”

Mrs Dunn was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on August 25.