Couple died after husband's 'mental health crisis'

A husband and wife died in a suspected homicide-suicide after the man's mental health rapidly deteriorated during the Covid pandemic, a coroner has said.

Ruth Stone-Houghton, 60, was found dead from head injuries at the couple's home in Portsmouth in September 2022.

Her husband Chris Stone-Houghton, 66, who was found hanged, had suffered a "sudden, rapid and critical deterioration in his mental health" in the months before the deaths, a pre-inquest hearing was told.

A full inquest in December will examine issues around his holding of a firearms licence, Hampshire assistant coroner Rachel Spearing said.

The coroner said the licence was being reviewed by police at the time, although no firearm was involved in the deaths.

She said there was concern about how the couple's GP surgery responded to requests from officers for information.

Police found Mrs Stone-Houghton in the master bedroom of the property in Holcot Lane on 14 September, the hearing in Winchester was told.

Assistant coroner Rachel Spearing said the husband's deteriorating mental health - including depression, suicidal thoughts and sometimes paranoia - first became apparent around Christmas in 2021.

She said: "Active steps were taken around April 2022 by family members when Chris was referred and sought assistance for his deteriorating condition and the impact of Covid and anxieties and challenges that had arisen during that period was obviously part of that.

"Chris was under the care of the community mental health team. The last contact with them was two days before his death."

The coroner added that Mr Stone-Houghton lacked insight into his condition.

She said: "I do not believe there is any evidence of domestic abuse in this case."

In a previous statement, the couple's family said: "Not only were Chris and Ruth amazing parents to their two children - anyone who knew Chris and Ruth will know how hard they worked in so many parts of their lives and they were both known for their positivity and loveable sense of humour."

The hearing was attended by some of the couple's family and friends as well as by representatives of two NHS trusts.

A full inquest, lasting up to two weeks, is scheduled to start in Portsmouth on 8 December.

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