An elderly man has been sentenced four and a half months home detention for the attempted murder of his wife in a suicide pact.
Matamata man Roy Morton, 82, pleaded guilty in the High Court at Hamilton.
He attempted to kill his wife and himself on two occasions after she suffered a debilitating stroke in October last year.
He claimed that even though his wife was unable to verbally communicate with him he knew from her gestures that she wanted to die.
Justice Davison did not accept that due to Morton's lack of capability to understand.
He described Morton's actions as planned and premeditated and that Morton was vulnerable to exploitation.
Morton was motivated by his genuine compassion and love for his wife, Justice Davison said.
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)
- Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
RNZ
