Inquest hears Bexhill woman was killed by partner who then took his own life
The inquest heard the couple had been struggling to manage her dementia symptoms
An inquest has heard that a 90-year-old woman with dementia was unlawfully killed by her partner, who then took his own life.
Robert Page, 75, and Barbara Stevens, 90, were found at their home in College Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, by police responding to a welfare call from family on 2nd May last year.
Mr Page was found dead, while Ms Stevens was found unresponsive and taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where she died the following day.
At East Sussex Coroner's Court in Lewes on Tuesday, senior coroner Laura Bradford concluded that Mr Page died by suicide and Ms Stevens by unlawful killing.
Addressing the families at the hearing, she said: "The story is so incredibly sad, I was very saddened to hear the circumstances."
The coroner said Ms Stevens had been diagnosed with dementia in February of that year, was started on medication, but her condition deteriorated rapidly.
She said: "She and her partner were struggling to manage the symptoms."
She said: "Based on circumstances I find it is more likely than not Barbara's death was caused by the actions of Robert."
She said: "Robert's death occurred as a result of a deliberate act by him. I have heard evidence he was struggling in the weeks and months."
Detective Inspector James Meanwell, of Sussex Police, told the hearing that the investigation found no evidence to show anything other than a spontaneous incident.
He said it seemed most likely Mr Page suffered a loss of control leading to the attack, before taking his own life, probably believing he had already killed Ms Stevens.
Police who spoke to neighbours and family found that Mr Page had been finding it difficult to cope with caring for Ms Stevens, and there had been reports of arguing, including a report of shouting for eight hours on 30th April.
Officers believe the incident happened overnight between 30th April and 1st May.
The inquest heard police would likely have charged Mr Page with murder had he survived.
Ms Stevens had been allocated a dementia support worker, who found no issues when she last saw the couple and had been due to see them again in May.