A coroner has concluded that a jeweller experienced a psychotic episode after failing to take prescribed medication, leading him to kill his wife of 32 years before taking his own life.
A Loving Relationship Ends in Tragedy
The bodies of Christopher Stone-Houghton, 66, and his wife Ruth, 60, were discovered at their home on Holcot Lane in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 14 September 2022. A post-mortem examination found Mr Stone-Houghton died from suspension, while Mrs Stone-Houghton died from a head injury. A claw hammer was found next to her body.
Coroner Rachel Spearing heard that the couple, described as fun-loving and inseparable, shared a 'loving and happy' 32-year marriage with no history of violence. Their children, Oliver, 30, and Abbie, 28, said the events came as 'a complete shock to us all'.
Mental Health Deterioration and Systemic Failings
The inquest was told Mr Stone-Houghton's mental health declined rapidly in April 2022 after he was forced to close his jewellery business, which had struggled during the Covid pandemic. Family and friends grew concerned by his 'anxious and manic' behaviour.
He was sectioned in June 2022 following a violent episode of self-harm. However, the coroner found his discharge in August that year was unsafe due to an 'inadequate risk assessment concerning the care plan'.
In the weeks before the tragedy, he appeared to be improving, complying with medication, and making future plans. 'All indicators were that he was making a positive recovery,' Ms Spearing said.
Medication Lapse and a Fatal Episode
Critical toxicology tests later revealed he had not been taking his medication at the time of the deaths. The coroner accepted evidence from three consultant psychiatrists that, on the balance of probabilities, Christopher experienced a further psychotic episode on the morning of the tragedy, resulting in the fatal attack on his wife.
'There was never any expressed indication or history of genuine concern for his harming Ruth,' the coroner stated, ruling she was unlawfully killed.
In a powerful statement, the couple's children said: 'In light of the coroner’s findings... it is clear that more could and should have been done to manage the risk of Dad becoming unwell again.' They welcomed changes implemented by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Trust but said it was 'deeply troubling' that their parents' deaths were the catalyst.
They addressed the Health Secretary directly, stating: 'This inquest has exposed serious failings in the provision of mental health services. The lack of care our Mum and Dad received was not an isolated or local incident, and the lessons from this must be addressed nationally.'
