THE INQUEST into the death of a woman who was strangled by her husband has been closed after the court ruled it a ‘mercy killing’.

It was previously reported Elizabeth Frances Richings, 83, was found dead by paramedics in a bungalow in Roscrea Drive, Bournemouth, on June 3, 2023.

Her husband, Grenville Douglas Richings, was subsequently convicted of manslaughter after admitting to killing his wife.

An inquest previously heard Elizabeth died from compression of the neck.

Salisbury Crown Court heard the couple were approaching their diamond wedding anniversary when Elizabeth suffered a serious fall and was struggling with her health.

It was said Grenville became ‘frustrated and helpless’ at the NHS as his wife’s health deteriorated.

Emergency services found Elizabeth’s body laying on the sofa with her arms crossed and covered in blankets, while Grenville was in his bed after drinking bleach in an attempted suicide.

His Honour Judge Timothy Mousley KC said Elizabeth, a retired nurse, suffered a fractured vertebrae from her fall and Grenville, a retired police officer, struggled with her serious decline in health.

He added: "I am satisfied you believed killing was an act of mercy."

Grenville Douglas Richings was handed an 18-month suspended sentence for two years.

On November 26, senior coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin, concluded that the inquest into Elizabeth’s death did not need to be resumed.

Ms Griffin said a domestic abuse related death review was ongoing but by recommendation, she decided to conclude the inquest proceedings.