Former Alderney resident Peter Nunn has been jailed for eight years after attempting to suffocate his wife to death.
Nunn, who lived in the island for about six years from 1989, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.
Earlier this month Nunn pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his 80-year-old wife Joan. The pensions advisor, 63, planned to smother Mrs Nunn - a former model who appeared in Britain's first TV advert in 1955 - before slitting his wrists at their home in Wells, Somerset.
Mrs Nunn, who went by her middle name of Margaret, struggled free during the murder attempt, which occurred on May 27 last year. A few hours later Nunn phoned his GP to say he had tried to kill his wife.
Nunn fled Alderney in the mid-1990s after a failed suicide attempt. He left a devastated investment business, Ingham International, and a trail of debt. Court records show Nunn deserted the island owing more than £4,500 in tax and social security and an extra £2,000 to a creditor.
Police have described Nunn as a "fantasist" who tried to maintain a lifestyle but was slowly sinking into debt. Nunn and his wife, who was oblivious to her husband's financial meltdown, were due to be evicted from their home and £45,000 in the red at the time of the offence.
One of Nunn's former Alderney employees, a 43-year-old woman who does not wish to be identified, said he was too cowardly and too frightened to admit his mistakes.
Another ex-employee, a 53-year-old woman who also wishes to remain anonymous, said Nunn's efforts to kill his wife of 33 years were a sad reflection on "past lies and false beliefs".
Judge Jamie Tabor QC said Nunn had lied to impress the woman he loved. After sentencing, Judge Tabor also imposed a restraining order on Nunn, which bans him from contacting or visiting his wife for the rest of his life.
Since his arrest Nunn has been treated by mental health professionals in Dorchester Prison. Mrs Nunn now lives alone in a one-bedroom flat on benefits.
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 