An 88-year-old man has been spared prison after smothering his wife to death in their home in Bath. William Haxworth, who was 87 at the time of the incident, killed his wife of over 60 years, Delia Haxworth, before threatening to jump from scaffolding in the city center last June.
At Bristol Crown Court, Judge William Hart issued a two-year supervision order and mandated that Haxworth undergo medical treatment. On June 18, 2024, passersby saw Haxworth on scaffolding, threatening to jump. He told those trying to assist that he had murdered his very ill wife and said, “I had to kill her and now it’s my turn.”
Delia Haxworth, 85, had recently been hospitalized after a fall causing a head injury, though this was not believed to have contributed to her death. She had a history of bowel cancer, but no evidence of recurrence was found. Police found her lifeless in the couple’s home.
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A note, apparently written by William, was discovered expressing remorse: “It all became too much. Please forgive me and wonderful Dil. It all seemed lacking in point. You’ve all been so wonderful too. And so many kind neighbours. Forgive. Forgive. Will.”
A post-mortem confirmed that Delia was smothered. Due to findings that Haxworth was unfit to stand trial, the jury was not asked to determine guilt but concluded he had committed the acts described.
Judge Hart described the case as tragic, acknowledging William’s genuine belief that Delia was suffering from a terminal illness. He also referenced another suicide attempt during the court proceedings, which led to hospitalization.
Expressing condolences to the family and William’s caregivers, the judge noted the court’s limited options and explained that a prison sentence was not possible. The supervision order will include monitoring by a probation officer and clinical supervisor for two years.