Pensioner, 85, jailed for ten years after brutally murdering his dementia-stricken wife with hammer and chisel

AN OAP has been jailed for 10 years after brutally murdering his dementia-stricken wife with tools at home. John Berry, 85, killed Edna – who he’d been married to for more than six decades – in February last year.

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OAP John Berry has been jailed for life for murdering his wife EdnaCredit: EssexLive/BPM

The Essex grandfather said he “lost his temper” with his 80-year-old wife who had been diagnosed with dementia almost two years prior. Berry said he attacked Edna with tools from their Clacton-on-Sea home after she fell then “kicked and scratched him” as he tried to help her.

The court heard the 80-year-old suffered “at least 14” injuries after Berry launched at her with a bat, hammer and chisel. The 85-year-old had been his wife’s carer, after the pair made a pact they wouldn’t put each other into a home. Judge Christopher Morgan said Berry had “stubbornly” turned down extra support, and the result was an “utter tragedy”.

The Chelmsford Crown Court heard how on the morning of February 21, 2023, Berry had called a care home. Tragically, two hours later, he phoned 999. When emergency services arrived he was standing outside, while his wife of 61 years fought for her life on their bedroom floor.

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When police arrived Berry told them he’d lost his temper after Edna attacked him following a fall. Tragically, the 80-year-old was heard calling for her husband.

EssexLive[1] reported Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, said: “At that stage [she was] fatally injured with obvious injuries but just about alive. “She was heard to call out to her husband at that point.” She was rushed to hospital where she tragically died.

A post-mortem could not establish how many injuries Edna sustained, but it was said there were “at least 14”. The court heard Berry was said to have used the flat edge of a hammer on a chisel to cause damage to Edna’s head. The prosecutor said: “He said he went to the garage and in there he selected a hammer and returned with it and hit his wife with it several times.

“Asked [by police] how much force he used he said ‘obviously not enough’. “He said he had simply lost his temper and that if he had a gun it would be quicker and better for his wife. He said ‘It’s entirely my fault, she did not deserve it and there’s no excuse’.”

COUPLE’S ‘PACT’

Laurie-Anne Power KC, defending, said Berry was suffering from a stress disorder when he attacked his wife.

Ms Power explained that the lead up to the horror attack was “far from straight forward”. The court heard how a “number of close family members” had died in the months prior. Ms Power KC continued, saying: “It appears as though it would be difficult to find a more devoted and caring husband.

They had been retired for a number of years and he spent many years looking after her as her dementia got progressively worse. “They had made a pact to each other that they would not put each other in a care home. “This was made clear to many people that they did not want to go to one.

“The impact of what has happened cannot be understated but it can be said that all those who know him will all, with the benefit of hindsight, say that perhaps more could be done to support Berry over the years in relation to supporting him and in the lead up to the death of his wife. “We submit that although misguided, it was a mercy act and that it was done not just about bringing the end of her suffering but also of his own.”

‘PROGRESSIVELY DETERIORATED’

Delivering his sentencing, Judge Morgan said: “Both you and Edna worked hard to provide for the family and in due course were supportive and loving towards grandchildren. “In return, you were both loved and these words cover the tragedy of this case.

This was a loving relationship and you were both devoted to each other.” The Judge said that the day Berry killed Edna he went to the chemist for her. He continued: “All these matters demonstrate the love between the two of you and the devotion you had towards her and her care.

“It’s clear that you cared for Edna with her daily needs as her condition progressively deteriorated and tried to make her life comfortable. What was unknown to others was the matters in your life.” The Judge added: “Help was available, especially in the days leading up to the killing.

You stubbornly refused this, enquiring only on the morning of the killing.

“I’m satisfied that realisation to find outside assistance had come and increased your feelings of helplessness and inability to cope.”