Smother bid OAP may not go to prison

A JUDGE has called for reports that could spare a pensioner a jail sentence after the round-the-clock carer tried to smother his wheelchair-bound wife with a pillow.

Lady Smith yesterday told John Millar, 67, that she would seek advice from social workers on the feasibility of non-custodial options in his case after he earlier admitted attempting to murder his wife Phyllis who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

The judge told the High Court in Edinburgh she also wanted advice on what care could be offered to Mrs Millar, 65, who is currently in a nursing home, if she returned to live at home.

Millar attacked his wife at their home at Ravelston Gardens, in Edinburgh, last June Afterwards, he called police and said: "I tried to kill my wife."

He later told officers he thought it would be "a good thing to do at the time" for both of them.

Defence solicitor advocate Robbie Burnett said Mrs Millar was presently in a home and unhappy. He also said she was in touch with her husband while he was being held in prison.

Lady Smith deferred sentence for further reports and remanded Mr Miller in custody.