A MAN has pleaded guilty killing his partner, Jacqueline Pattenden, at his home in Crowthorne.
Michael Rough, 55, of Ellis Road, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday (10) where he pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Shortly before 11.30pm on Sunday October 2 last year 2016, police officers were called to the property after receiving a call from Rough saying he had stabbed his girlfriend, that she had died and he was going to kill himself.
When officers arrived at the property, they went upstairs and found 53-year-old Jacqueline, known to friends and family as Jackie, in a bedroom unresponsive. She died at the scene.
A post-mortem examination found that she died from a stab wound to the chest.
Rough, who had sustained self-inflicted injuries, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with her murder on October 11. He entered a guilty plea of manslaughter by diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the prosecution.
Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Ailsa Kent, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime unit, said: “Michael Rough and Jackie had been involved in a relationship since the beginning of the year which appeared to those who knew them to be happy with no suggestion of violence or arguments between them.
“However after reporting feeling depressed and stressed over work, on the evening of 2 October Rough stabbed and killed his partner Jackie.
“Rough has admitted unlawfully killing Jackie and I’m pleased her family will not have to go through the anguish of a trial. I hope today’s guilty plea will enable those who knew and loved Jackie to have a sense of closure and be able to move on from this utterly tragic time in their lives.”
At the time of her death, Jacqueline’s son Phil paid tribute to her. He said: “She was an amazing mother, sister, cousin, niece and friend; much loved by everyone she came into contact with for her kind, caring and chatty nature.
“Mum will now never get to see the day I get married, or live to see the grandchildren that she always wanted, all her efforts went into me/family and she hasn’t got to experience any of these natural joys of life. It is such a huge loss, affecting so many.”
Rough is due to be sentenced at the same court on April 28.
