Wigton Man Spared Jail After Attempting to Suffocate Wife During Mental Health Crisis
In a surprising turn of events, a man from Wigton has been spared jail time after attempting to suffocate his wife during a severe mental health crisis. Brian Corrigan, 53, had consumed a bottle of whiskey while on antidepressant medication, leading to a disturbing incident at their home. Despite his actions, Sharon Corrigan, the victim, told police that she did not fear her husband and described him as her loving husband, best friend, soulmate, and rock.
Originally charged with attempted murder, the prosecution accepted Corrigan’s not guilty plea to that charge after acknowledging the exceptional circumstances surrounding the case. Judge Nicholas Barker, taking into account these circumstances, decided to spare the defendant from jail. However, Corrigan did admit to suffocation and threatening his wife with a knife.
The case revolved around a 999 call made by Mrs. Corrigan, where she requested an ambulance, stating that her husband was unconscious after consuming alcohol while on his depression medication. She also revealed that he had earlier attempted to kill her and was intoxicated and aggressive at the time. According to Mrs. Corrigan, he had entered the bedroom with a pillow, placing it forcefully over her head while shouting that she was going to die. Thankfully, she managed to fend him off, but he threatened that both of them would die that day.
When the police arrived at the scene, they found Corrigan semi-conscious and incoherent on the living room floor. He admitted to trying to kill Sharon, making it clear to the officers that he was not himself during the incident. While Mrs. Corrigan seemed nonchalant and asserted that she was not scared of her husband, it was evident that he had a severe depressive episode and was suffering from a low mood, exacerbated by the consumption of alcohol after years of abstinence.
Mark Shepherd, the defense lawyer, highlighted the couple’s 23-year-long relationship, with Mrs. Corrigan expressing remorse for calling the emergency services but believing it was the right thing to do to help her husband, not herself. Corrigan himself expressed genuine remorse and revealed that he had not coped well with the loss of his mother in early 2020, indicating suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles.
Taking all these factors into consideration, Judge Barker decided to suspend Corrigan’s sentence. He noted the defendant’s clear remorse, the equivalent of a ten-month sentence already served, and his wife’s determination to continue their relationship. Moreover, Corrigan had come off the medication he was previously on and was in a better state of mind. As part of the suspended sentence, he was given a 120-day alcohol abstinence order, ten rehabilitation activity days, and a mental health treatment program.
This case raises questions about mental health support systems and the challenges faced by individuals experiencing severe depressive episodes. While Corrigan’s actions were undeniably alarming, it is crucial to approach such cases with empathy and understanding. The judge’s decision reflects the complexities of mental health issues and the potential for rehabilitation.
With Corrigan showing genuine remorse and a desire to improve his mental well-being, it is hoped that he will receive the necessary support and treatment to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking professional help during mental health crises and the impact it can have on both individuals and their loved ones.
