PRESS ASSOCIATION -- A husband who attempted to kill his wife in a home-made electric chair has been jailed for 10 years.
Andrew Castle, 61, rigged up the device in the couple's garage after his wife Margaret told him she wanted a divorce. He coaxed her into the garage to discuss the break-up and when she tried to get out of the chair, he hit her over the head with a rubber cosh, Preston Crown Court heard.
Mrs Castle managed to escape and police were called to their address in Holmefield Road, Knott End-On-Sea, Lancashire, on March 5.
She was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary for treatment to minor head injuries.
Mr Castle was also present at the address and was found in the back garden with self-inflicted wounds to his wrists.
Castle pleaded guilty to attempted murder at an earlier hearing.
Detective Inspector Martin Clague, the senior investigating officer, said: "The fact that Castle has entered a guilty plea at least saves the family from having to go through the ordeal of listening to the evidence, which could have been very distressing for them.
"I am pleased with the result and I hope that Mrs Castle and her family will now be able to move on.
"We have specially trained officers continuing to support Mrs Castle and her family, and will continue to do so for as long as they need it."