Martin Rudin was spared jail after he admitted killing wife Gabriella Rudin in an ‘act of mercy’ at their home in Cambridgeshire (Picture: Central News/Jack Hudson)

A retired civil engineer who smothered his wife with cling film has been spared jail after claiming he killed her in an ‘act of mercy’ to end her suffering from Parkinson’s disease. 

Martin Rudin, 82, admitted killing retired teacher Gabriella Rudin, 75, at their home in Histon, Cambridgeshire, early last New Year’s Eve. 

The Old Bailey heard she was diagnosed in 2019, and had told relatives she wanted to die, including ‘begging’ her husband to end her life. 

Rudin denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, with evidence suggesting he was suffering from a depressive episode at the time. 

Judge Mark Bishop sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years. 

He said it was a ‘tragic case’ involving a couple who had led a ‘loving and content, interesting life together’. 

The judge noted there were signs Rudin was not coping with the ‘strain of being the principal carer’. 

He said: ‘I accept at the time he did believe he was doing what he believed to be an act of mercy. 

‘It is clear Mrs Rudin had been speaking of wanting to die and I accept the defendant was overwhelmed by her expression of wanting to die, given his depressed state. 

‘Whilst it must never be forgotten that all life is precious and frail and vulnerable people particularly need the law’s protection the facts of this case require the court to take a merciful course.’ 

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Earlier, prosecutor Maryam Syed said Gabriella was Rudin’s third wife and that they had been married for 11 years after meeting online. 

Mrs Rudin had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018 and was admitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital last December following a fall. 

On December 19, a medical review found a lack of engagement in her rehabilitation, with Mrs Rudin saying: ‘I just want to be dead. I’ve given up. Nothing can help me now.’ 

She was prescribed antidepressants before being discharged from hospital on Christmas Eve. 

The court was told Mrs Rudin, who used a mobility scooter, had a stairlift at home and carers who would visit four times a day. 

The day before her death, Mrs Rudin had spoken to her son about euthanasia and wanting to ‘go to Belgium’ to die, the court heard. 

But Ms Syed asserted there was no evidence of a settled decision that she wished to die over many months and years, having previously survived cancer and experienced periods of depression. 

Defending, Christopher Paxton KC said: ‘In a depressed state, Mr Rudin killed his beloved Gabby. 

‘Mr Rudin acted out of love, compassion and mercy for his wife who had expressed a desire to die, given her medical condition and circumstances she was living in. 

‘Mr Rudin deeply loved Gabby. His remorse is profound and everlasting.’ 

Rudin, he said, was a man of ‘exemplary’ character, who had ‘worked across the world on major projects’ and lived a ‘long and productive life’. 

Rudin was supported in court by his three grown-up children. 

In a statement, Mrs Rudin’s son Hugh said: ‘Gabby was an intelligent, compassionate, and big-hearted woman. 

‘A wonderful mother, grandmother and sister who loved spending time with her family; she will be greatly missed.’ 

Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: ‘Mrs Rudin’s death has had a devastating effect on those who knew and loved her. 

‘This has been a thorough and extensive investigation under terribly sad circumstances, and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family.’ 

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Martin Rudin admitted killing retired teacher Gabriella Rudin at their home in Cambridgeshire, early last New Year’s Eve.