Murder accused unfit to stand trial, rules judge
A man accused of strangling his wife to death at their village farm house has been ruled unfit to stand trial.
A judge has found that 71-year-old Peter Thurgarland is unfit because of his mental condition.
He is charged with the murder of his wife Julia, 70.
She was found by paramedics at Low Farm, Maplebeck, near Southwell, on December 28.
Judge John Milmo said at Nottingham Crown Court today he had written reports from two psychiatrists who were unanimous that the accused was unfit to be tried.
The court was told Mr Thurgarland was suffering from depression.
He is currently detained in Nottingham Prison.
The judge fixed a hearing for May 13 when a jury will determine whether he killed his wife.
The hearing has been allotted two days.
Mr Thurgarland has been further remanded into custody.