An elderly man who stabbed his wife in the neck was struggling to cope with her failing health, a court heard.

Before Chelmsford Crown Court today was Gordon Cocksedge, 84, who admitted attempting to murder wife Joan at their home in Essex earlier this year.

Police had rushed to reports of a stabbing in Hogarth End, Kirby Cross, on April 7.

Mrs Cocksedge was later flown to hospital with severe neck wounds.

Her husband was later charged and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, May 14, where he pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

At the same court yesterday, he was sentenced to two years in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard there had been a steady deterioration in Mrs Cocksedge’s health and that her husband had acted because he could no longer cope.

Investigating officer Pc Victoria Butler said: “The circumstances around this case are truly tragic.

“However, it does show that, no matter the circumstances, violence against anyone is not acceptable.

“I wish to praise the courage and dignity the Cocksedge family have shown throughout the investigation.

“They have asked that they are now left in peace to come to terms with everything from this very difficult time.”

Mrs Cocksedge has died since the incident took place.

A forensic post-mortem examination found she had died from natural causes, and that her death was not related to the incident.