A 69-year-old man who poisoned his estranged wife by slipping mercury into her tea in a misguided attempt to win her back has been given a suspended prison sentence. William Dowling, of Colne, Lancashire, admitted administering a poison or noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy between January and April last year.
Dowling, a former electrician, added the toxic metal to Maureen Dowling's drinks on at least five occasions, causing the 64-year-old to suffer indigestion, headaches and bouts of forgetfulness. The couple had been separated for four years, but Mrs Dowling regularly visited the marital home and would accept a cup of tea.
The poisoning came to light when Mrs Dowling noticed what looked like ball bearings in her cup and told her daughter, who became suspicious. Dowling initially tried to explain away the substance, claiming it was coming off the kettle or teabags. However, when police searched his home, they found him trying to hide a mug containing mercury in a drawer.
At Preston Crown Court, Judge Robert Brown described Dowling's behaviour as 'wicked' and potentially fatal, but suspended a 350-day prison sentence for two years, citing his early guilty plea, previous good character, and genuine remorse. The judge also imposed an 18-month supervision order.
Prosecutor Mark Lamberty told the court that Mrs Dowling had suffered 'devastating' effects from the poison, losing her self-confidence. Detective Inspector David Broombridge of Lancashire Police said the victim had been left 'very fragile, both physically and mentally' by her ordeal, but added that she could now draw a line under the incident.
