
Mr Walmsley had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his wife, but it was accepted that he had acted under a genuine, albeit mistaken belief that it was an act of mercy.
Psychiatric evidence was presented and accepted by the court. Mr Walmsley had no previous convictions and an exemplary character which many attested to. The couple had been happily married for 60 years and it was accepted this incident arose when Mr Walmsley was suffering a depressive episode.
Mr Walmsley was given a two-year suspended prison sentence, having served 413 days in custody.
In 2023, Chris acted in the defence of 82-year-old retired civil engineer Martin Rudin who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter( by reason of diminished responsibility) of his 75-year-old wife Gabriella Rudin on New Year’s Eve 2022. Read more: [Christopher Paxton KC concludes defence in manslaughter case]
Chris Paxton KC has appeared in many cases of Murder, Manslaughter and Serious Violence, appearing for both defence and prosecution. Many of the homicide cases have involved complex areas of pharmacology, psychopharmacology, and psychiatry.
Chris has been shortlisted for Crime and Extradition Silk of the year 2024 Legal 500 Bar awards.
Chris was instructed by Peter Spary, Partner at Barricella Hughes Marchant Ipswich.
More info here: [Christopher Paxton KC Profile ]