The prosecution said Robert Cook dearly loved his wife

Robert Cook, 60, of Camber Close, Crawley, admitted the manslaughter of Vanessa Cook, 55, on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The judge at Lewes Crown Court sentenced him to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years.

Mrs Cook's body was found by police at their family home in October 2006.

The court heard that Cook placed a plastic bag and pillow over her face after she had taken an overdose of pills on 19 October 2006.

'Love his wife'

Christine Laing QC, prosecuting, said: "Mr Cook said he loved his wife very dearly and that he felt shocked at what he had done as it was against his own principles but it was what she wanted him to do.

"Her condition was deteriorating and he did not want her to suffer.

The law of murder, against killing someone, is a vital one for the protection of the most vulnerable in society Andrea Williams

"It was his wife's suggestion to put a bag over her head after seeing it done on television, in the event that the overdose alone would not work."

A post-mortem examination found her death was due to mixed drug intoxication and the plastic bag over her head.

Dissolved tablets

Ms Laing said: "After being arrested, in interview Mr Cook described her medical condition, her multiple sclerosis and previous suicide attempts.

"He said that on October 19 she had woken and asked him to end it all and asked him to put a pillow or bag over her head once she was dopey.

"He also dissolved some tablets for her once she was unable to swallow.

"He said he asked her if she was really sure she wanted him to do this and she nodded yes."

'Law failing'

She said Mrs Cook's brother and sister had written to the case officer outlining their support for Cook.

Campaign group Dignity in Dying wants to see a change in the law to allow medically-assisted death for terminally ill and mentally competent adults.

Mrs Cook's body was found in Camber Close, Crawley

"The current law is failing terminally ill people and their loved ones," said chief executive Sarah Wootton.

"At a time when he should have been treated with compassion and been allowed to grieve for his wife in peace, Robert Cook was arrested, charged with murder and forced to wait months to know whether he would be sent to prison."

But Andrea Williams, of Care Not Killing, said taking a life could never be justified.

'Vital protection'

"It is a very difficult case and compassion has to be extended to that family.

"But the answer cannot be in allowing people to take the law into their own hands.

"The law of murder, against killing someone, is a vital one for the protection of the most vulnerable in society.