A MAN who admitted the manslaughter of his wife at their home in Bowerhill has been sentenced to a hospital order and restriction order.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Saunders of the Wiltshire and Avon & Somerset Police Major Crime Investigation Team reported, “Richard Newton has today, Friday 14th February, been sentenced to a Hospital Order and Restriction Order for the manslaughter of his wife Suzanne which happened at their home address in Bowerhill, Melksham, on Sunday 13th January 2013.
“After fatally injuring his wife, Newton then drove to the Exmoor area where he confessed his actions to his brother. The police were subsequently called.
“Newton then spent a number of hours upon Exmoor prompting a thorough and detailed search by police of this remote area. Newton was located and arrested on suspicion of the murder of his wife. Although originally charged with murder, Newton pleaded guilty on the 25th November 2013 to the manslaughter of his wife on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
“I hope that Suzanne Newton’s family can now move forward with their lives.”
Suzanne Newton’s relatives, Richard and Diana Milward said, “Today, after 13 months of waiting, we as a family, can continue mourning the shocking death of our amazing daughter and mother, Sue. We have been helped and supported by Sue’s many friends from all over the country who have told us, repeatedly, what a skilled horsewoman and wonderful person she was to all who needed her help. There are two families affected by this judgement, and each has to live with this for the rest of their lives. Everyone is entitled to their individual opinion of this terrible event but, we are all bound by the letter of the Law.
“Finally, the Police and Victim Support Unit, with their guidance through the unbelievable trauma and complex legalities of the last 13 months, whilst we have waited on Justice for Suzanne, have been truly wonderful.
