WHEN she appeared at Exeter Crown Court the judge was told that a Trobridge, Crediton, woman had admitted twice trying to smother her husband, a sufferer from Parkinsons Disease, with a pillow.

Margaret Sandercock (65), admitted putting a person in fear of violence by force.

After evidence was heard Mrs Sandercock was bailed to be sentenced in July.

The court heard how Mrs Sandercock had battled with alcohol problems which had been outlined in a statement from one of her sons, who wrote of his parents' difficulties as they struggled to cope with his father's condition.

The court had been told that Mr Sandercock, a man in his 60s, had suffered from the disease since 1983.

The prosecution did not proceed with a charge of attempting murder after Mrs Sandercock admitted a lesser charge of putting a person in fear of violence by harassment between January 1 2001 and July 17 2010.

The court was told that Mr Sandercock was unable to walk or to feed himself.

It was also told that in 2010 Mrs Sandercock had been given a Royal British Legion award for fund raising and had taken part in several collections for sufferers of Parkinsons Disease.

For Mrs Sandercock, Rupert Taylor asked the judge to consider a letter from a woman who was a long-term carer, outlining some of the difficulties involved in caring for someone with a debilitating disease.

Testimonials were also offered to the court from friends at her local church.

Mrs Sandercock, as part of her guilty plea said she did not remember hitting her husband with a cushion but would not challenge his account, adding that she had been drinking at the time.

Richard Crabb, prosecuting, told the court: "In order to give support, help and a framework she undoubtedly needs, we would accept a guilty plea to count two."

Mr Crabb added: "On two occasions she went into the bedroom and tried to smother him with a pillow but he was able to push her away on both occasions."

Mrs Sandercock was bailed to be sentenced in July, after her case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

She is banned from approaching her husband or an address in Western Road, Crediton, while on bail.