A MAN who beat his elderly wife to death after a row over the heating has been jailed.

Douglas Bailey, 74, of Rilshaw Lane, Winsford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, September 26.

He has today, Tuesday, October 29, been sentenced to five years in prison.

Hazel Bailey, 82, was found dead at their bungalow on Friday, September 7, 2012.

She had suffered a sustained and brutal assault and died as a result of blunt trauma to the head caused my multiple blows.

Detective Inspector Helen Spooner said: "Hazel suffered a horrendous attack from a man who should have been caring and looking after her.

"Our investigation has uncovered a history of domestic abuse between the couple, which unfortunately was never reported to police.

"Domestic violence is something that extends across all ages and unfortunately for Hazel the contact that would have resulted in the help and support available to anyone suffering domestic abuse was never made.

"I hope this case highlights how domestic abuse can escalate and the tragic consequences it can have if people suffer in silence."

Bailey had been married to Hazel for 45 years prior to her death. They were both retired and had no children.

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