The grieving family of a guilt-ridden pensioner who committed suicide after drowning his wife have paid tribute to the couple today.

Former soldier Alan Thomas, 79, held his wife Winifred under water in the bath at their home in Rainham in an apparent mercy killing.

Seventy-seven-year-old Mrs Thomas had been suffering from arthritis and was in a great deal of pain.

Mr Thomas was later charged with murder and had been due to appear in court after being released on bail.

But before he made a formal plea - and exactly three months after his wife's death - Mr Thomas used a plastic bag to suffocate himself.

The inquest heard Mr Thomas was "ridden with guilt" and worried about the impact his wife's death was having with their family.

The body of Mrs Thomas was found at their house in Deanwood Drive, Parkwood, in May.

A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded in respect of Mrs Thomas.

Coroner Roger Sykes said it was "tragic set of circumstances" and Mr Thomas "truly believed" he was doing what his wife wanted.

In a statement released after today's hearing, the couple's sons David and Graham said: "The events of recent months have been a tragedy for our whole family.

"The death of mum and dad has been a terrible loss of very loving parents and grandparents.

"Despite her best efforts, mum had been increasingly afflicted by her chronic rheumatoid arthritis and its associated ailments and in the six months or so leading up to May her health significantly deteriorated further.

"We have no doubt that dad's thoughts were to help to stop this suffering.

"As a result of the circumstances, dad found it difficult to cope with what had happened and very sadly made the decision to take his own life.

"We accept the Coroner's verdicts and would also like to thank him for his kind words.

"However, in mum's case, it is unfortunate that the only available legal outcome, that of unlawful killing, does not properly describe or reflect the desperately sad nature of this death.

"It is our very clear opinion that this was an act of love and was definitely not something that resulted from negligent or criminal behaviour.

"The fact that dad felt he could not then go on came as a further devastating blow to us all.

"Mum and dad were supportive and loving parents, in-laws and grandparents.

"They leave behind two sons, a daughter in-law and two grandsons.

"They lived an active and varied life and were devoted to each other throughout their marriage.

"Dad was originally from Yorkshire and met mum in Gillingham in 1955 when training at the Royal School of Military Engineers.

"Mum was living in Gillingham, having been born in Hempstead. They got married in the same year, shortly before dad was posted to Malaya with the Army.

"When he left the Army he qualified as a chartered building surveyor and worked both in London and locally, as well as having his own practice for some years.

"Before getting married, mum had worked for Boots, but gave this up initially to follow dad overseas and then later to become a full time parent at home.

"They moved back to Gillingham in the early 1960's and lived in the family home for over 40 years.

"They loved it there, having friends and family around them and never wanting to move.

"After dad's retirement in 1994, they continued to live an active life and were members of various clubs and associations.

"They enjoyed dancing and walking especially in the nearby countryside and the various parks.

"They greatly valued their independence and were determinedly self-reliant.

"Mum was a keen and successful follower of natural and complementary medicine before this became fashionable.

"Dad was a keen gardener and latterly an extensive user of his free bus pass.

"As the years passed and mum's illness worsened, dad increasingly became her full time carer.

"Despite this, mum took great pride in her appearance and was immaculate at all times.

"We would like to thank all of our friends and family for their understanding and support.

"The tragic events of recent weeks have clearly demonstrated their popularity in the community.

"We have been greatly touched by all of the kind messages from their friends and neighbours.

"There has been nothing but praise for mum and dad from everyone who knew them and we really appreciate the time and effort people have spent to send their condolences.

"There has also been a lot of support and understanding from Kent Police and we would like to thank them for their help.

"We are a private and close family and hope that we can now put the past behind us and move on."

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Chewter said: "This is a tragic case and our thoughts and feelings are with the Thomas family who have been through a difficult time during the last seven months.

"Throughout this case they have conducted themselves with great dignity and I have the utmost respect for the way in which they have handled a very testing situation.

"The family have had the support of Kent Police from the beginning and have been kept up to date with on-going developments throughout our investigation."

Did you know Mr and Mrs Thomas? Post your tributes in the comment box below.