Retired Salesman Killed Ill Wife Before Taking His Own Life, Inquest Told

A retired salesman killed his wife before taking his own life on New Year's Eve after her symptoms of Huntington's disease worsened, an inquest has heard.

Michael and Heather Newton were found dead at their home in Poole, Dorset, at 11.35am on December 31 last year. An inquest in Bournemouth was told Mrs Newton, 70, died from head injuries and strangulation, while Mr Newton, 76, died by hanging.

The hearing heard that Mrs Newton came from a family with a history of Huntington's disease, an inherited neurological disorder that had previously claimed the lives of her father and sister. Her brother, Christopher Wadman, said in a statement that her condition had noticeably deteriorated when the couple visited family over Christmas. He described symptoms including jerky movements known as chorea, weight loss, slurred speech and increased irritability.

Mr Wadman said his brother-in-law had been "brilliant" in supporting his sister but that her decline had been worse than the family had realised. He added that Mrs Newton had long been in denial about her illness.

Another relative, Dr Simon Wadman, told the inquest he had spoken to Mr Newton on Boxing Day to offer support after the couple returned home early from Christmas celebrations. He said Mr Newton described the previous weeks as "very difficult", explaining that his wife had become emotionally unstable and irritable and that he felt he was "walking on eggshells". Dr Wadman said nothing in the conversation caused concern and news of their deaths came as a complete shock.

The inquest heard Mrs Newton had attended a neurology appointment in September 2024 due to chorea symptoms but had declined further tests for Huntington's disease.

Dr Russell Delaney, a Home Office forensic pathologist, said Mrs Newton died from blunt force head injuries, consistent with being struck by an object such as a claw hammer, and from forceful compression of the neck. Examination of her brain showed long-standing changes consistent with Huntington's disease. Mr Newton's cause of death was given as suspension by ligature.

Coroner Brendan Allen recorded a conclusion of unlawful killing for Mrs Newton and suicide for Mr Newton, noting that Mr Newton had admitted he was struggling to cope with his wife's worsening symptoms.

The Johnson Partnership, Nottingham