Man given indefinite hospital order, Helston

On Thursday 28 October an 84-year-old man was given an indefinite hospital order for killing his wife earlier this year.

Donald Hickery appeared at Truro Crown Court where he received a hospital order after a jury agreed he had killed 82-year-old Jill Hickery at their home in Mullion in May 2021.

Police were called shortly after 11am on Saturday 29 May to LaFlouder Fields, following reports that a woman had been stabbed inside an address.

Emergency services attended the scene where Jill was confirmed deceased. Forensic enquires confirmed that she had sustained multiple, un-survivable, stab wounds.

Donald Hickery was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody where he was later charged to appear at Truro Magistrates Court on 31 May. Following psychiatric reports, it was concluded that Mr Hickery was deemed unfit to plead and could not stand trial.

On Thursday 28 October, Judge Linford sentenced Donald Hickery to an indefinite hospital order.

Senior investigating officer, Acting Detective Inspector Nigel Green said: “This investigation has involved several months of psychiatric evaluation of the offender alongside the criminal investigation.

“Following the sentence passed by the judge, Donald Hickery will remain in a hospital facility under the order and will not be considered for release into the community until it is deemed safe for him to do so.  

“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Jill and I thank them for their assistance and support of our investigation over the past months; during what has been a very challenging time for them.”

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