Overview

• Bristol Crown Court jurors concluded William Haxworth unlawfully killed his wife, Delia, under the fact‑finding process used when a defendant is unfit to plead.
• Judge William Hart ruled Haxworth unfit for trial and granted conditional bail, with a further hearing on 28 October to decide next steps.
• Prosecutors said a post-mortem found Delia, 85, was smothered, and a note apparently written by Haxworth asked for forgiveness.
• Witnesses and a fire service manager testified that Haxworth told rescuers on 18 June 2024 he had killed his wife after being seen on scaffolding in Bath.
• Avon and Somerset Police said he has provided no formal account to investigators, and medical evidence noted a recent fall and past bowel cancer without recurrence that did not contribute to her death.