Husband attempts to kill his wife by hand-making an electric chair

Andrew Castle, 61 rigged up a home-made electric chair in a bid to kill his wife after she demanded a divorce after 18 years of marriage.

The husband from hell weird the metal chair to the electric mains in the garage and asked his wife “sit, for a chat” the court was told. The plan was to turn the switch on and electrocute 240 through his wife’s body; afterwards, he would then kill himself.

In the garage there were two lengths of electric cable running from a plug up to the exposed ends. When the power was switched on, and the ends touched to the chair, the circuit would have been complete. The device was described as an “un-sophisticated but it could have been very effective.” It was told to the crown court that although the couple were living in the same home they led separate lives.

Margaret, his wife, also 61, did sit in the chair and attempted to get out, but he pushed her down, telling her he was going to kill her and then himself. Margaret managed to get up before the power was turned on. Afterwards Andrew hit her with a rubber cosh, but she was able to escape from the family home in Poulton-le-Fylde.

The couple ended up fighting in the street and Margaret’s screams caught the attention of a passer-by who witnessed the woman in a head lock and telephoned the police. She then took refuge in a nearby house. The police arrived just shortly after.

Margaret was taken to hospital where she was checked over and treated for ‘minor’ head injuries. Meanwhile, Andy return to the house and attempted to commit suicide. Police found him with slit wrists, questioning himself with “What have I done?” Andrew immediately admitted his plan to the police.

Last night Margaret, accused her husband of being “controlling”, and declared: “It is by sheer good fortune that I am here today. I now wish to be left in peace and I am determined to move forward on my own terms.”

 

UK News