A wife who tried to murder her husband on Christmas Day by poisoning him with cherry Lambrini spiked with anti-freeze has today been jailed for 15 years.
Jacqueline Patrick, who used to volunteer in a Crystal Palace charity shop, faked a 'do not revive' note after poisoning her husband Douglas in their family home in Gipsy Hill.
The 55-year-old was aided by daughter Katherine Patrick, 21, who was sentenced to three years behind bars after pleading guilty to one count of inciting another to administer a noxious substance.
Jacqueline Patrick, of Durning Road, admitted two counts of attempted murder of her husband - once in October 2013 and once on Christmas Day 2013.
On Boxing Day 2013, Mr Patrick, 70, was taken by ambulance to King's College Hospital.
During the journey to hospital, his wife showed paramedics a typed note, which she claimed was from Mr Patrick asking not to be revived and to be allowed to die with dignity.
JAILED: Katherine and Jacqueline Patrick.
In a life-threatening condition, Mr Patrick was placed in an induced coma before blood tests were taken which showed he was suffering from anti-freeze poisoning.
Officers attended the couple's home address and seized a number of items - including multiple bottles of anti-freeze.
In January Mr Patrick regained consciousness and told police he was not suicidal, had not tried to kill himself and had not bought or drank anti-freeze.
He remembered having two drinks on Christmas Day and, feeling far drunker than he should, went to bed.
Jacqueline Patrick was arrested on January 9, alongside daughter Katherine, also of Durning Road.
TOP STORIES
Mobile phones belonging to the pair revealed numerous text messages between them discussing three separate attempts to poison Mr Douglas.
Detective Inspector Tracey Miller said: "At a time when a family should be celebrating the festive season, Patrick was plotting how to get rid of her husband once and for all, aided by her daughter.
"Mr Patrick came very close to dying and while he lay in his hospital bed fighting for his life, his wife told lie after lie to cover her tracks. Perhaps most shocking of all was the note she gave to the London Ambulance Service purporting to be from her husband, stating that he did not wish to be resuscitated.
"This was a calculated and well-planned plot and I am pleased Patrick admitted her crimes and her daughter also pleaded guilty to her role in encouraging her mother to act in this appalling manner.
"Their actions will now see them spend a considerable period behind bars."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel