A pensioner has admitted stabbing her husband of 43 years as they lay in bed together at their home in Bovey Tracey.
Carol Wilson, aged 67, was suffering from anxiety and depression and may have been experiencing the early stages of dementia when she attacked her husband Peter on November 20 last year.
Wilson, of Five Acres, Bovey Tracey, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent but admitted the less serious charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Miss Caroline Bolt, prosecuting, said the victim and the police will be consulted before a decision is made on whether the plea is acceptable.
Mr David Sapiecha, defending, said a psychiatric assessment showed Wilson has long standing issued of anxiety and depression but these did not account for her actions.
He said the psychiatrist recommended a further assessment by a neurologist to examine whether Wilson may be suffering from the early stages of dementia.
He said: ‘We are hoping to move the case along as quickly as possible in a way which will enable the court to deal with the defendant in a way in which the focus is on care and help as opposed to punishment.
‘The victim has expressed a wish that she should be back at home as soon as possible.’
Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, remanded Wilson in custody for a week to allow the CPS time to decide whether they want to pursue the more serious charge to trial.