A pensioner has today admitted killing his wife in what was believed to have been a failed suicide pact.

Michael Packman almost collapsed in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court before pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. He was allowed to do so while sitting.

The plea was entered after three psychiatric reports were prepared on the 67-year-old.

Stephanie Packman’s body was found at their home in Hurst Lane, Kemsley, Sittingbourne, in the early hours of Tuesday, July 31.

Mrs Packman, 64, had dementia and was previously living in a care home. She was found with a wound to her neck.

Her husband was treated at a London hospital for a wound to his abdomen.

Judge Adele Williams adjourned sentence until Thursday. There was a victim impact statement, she said, from Mrs Packman’s sister.

At a previous hearing, the judge described the case as “very grave and very sensitive”.

Packman was remanded in custody.