A Wirral man has admitted killing his wife by his gross negligence.

56-year-old Stephen Vernon pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his wife Janet on November 15, 2008.

Vernon, who was described as the “full-time carer” for his wife, admitted he failed to get her medical assistance for about four days after she suffered an injury in a fall.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Mrs Vernon, who was in her mid-40s, broke her jaw, but later developed a fatal blood infection.

Rowena Goode, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court, “The time of the fall is not precisely established on the evidence.

"It was certainly four days before her death, more likely five days before her death.

"The Crown say that following the fall it would have been obvious that this lady needed medical assistance.”

But she said the prosecution were unable to prove the cause of her injuries.

Concerns had been raised about her well-being a few months before her death after she was seen with bruises, which led to a visit from social services.

The couple had had a "volatile relationship" and she described Vernon as a “forbearing and controlling character”.

Defence barrister Gareth Bellis said the couple may have had a “tempestuous” relationship, but he suggested that the prosecution was not in a position to suggest Vernon had caused any injury to his wife.

The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe QC, further remanded Vernon, who appeared via video link from Walton jail, in custody until June 14 to enable a pre-sentence report to be prepared.