Edmonton:Woman guilty of killing her husband

A woman has today, Tuesday, 6 May, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her husband following a failed suicide pact.

Ann Pollen, 47 (13.9.66), of Hawthorn Road, Edmonton N18 admitted killing her 58-year-old husband Leonard.

She will be sentenced at the Old Bailey tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 7 May.

It is believed the couple agreed to kill themselves after Mr Pollen was accused of historical sexual assault.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Euan McKeeve, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “As a result of increased and strained pressures on their relationship, Leonard and Ann Pollen each took a life-changing decision to enter into a suicide pact with the settled intention of death.

“It is accepted that they cut each other’s and their own wrists.

“In these fairly rare circumstances a homicide investigation is always undertaken to establish the facts.

“I hope that Mr Pollen’s wider family can take some satisfaction that Ann Pollen has accepted responsibility for her role in his death.”

Mr Pollen was arrested on suspicion of rape on Wednesday, 29 August 2012 and taken to Edmonton police station. He was subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.

On Monday, 3 September 2012 at about 14:15hrs police and the London Ambulance Service attended the couple’s home address after other family members became concerned for their welfare. The couple had posted a letter, referring to their last will and testament, to Mr Pollen’s brother on Friday, 31 August 2012.

When there was no reply to repeated knocking, the officers forced entry.

They found the couple in a bedroom. Mr Pollen was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mrs Pollen had injuries to her wrists. She said they had tried to kill themselves three days before. They both took tablets, drank alcohol and then used a knife to cut each other’s wrists. They went to sleep, thinking they would not wake up.

When they both did come round on the Saturday, they cut their wrists again. Mrs Pollen then woke to find her husband dead. She cut her wrists again and took painkillers. She dozed and came to when police and paramedics arrived.

She told officers after the sexual abuse allegation her husband talked about taking his own life and she had been with him so long she didn’t want to be without him.

Following treatment for her injuries, Mrs Pollen was charged with the murder and manslaughter of her husband.

A plea of manslaughter was today accepted by the prosecution and no evidence offered in relation to the murder charge.