William Hodge, accused of killing his wife in 1984, is unfit for trial due to dementia, court papers revealed.
Court papers say Hodge injured Marion, though the method of injury is currently unknown. He also faces a charge of obstruction for allegedly disposing of Marion’s body and belongings.
Marion was legally declared dead in 1992, but her body was never found. She was a mother of two children.
A court heard Hodge shows signs of dementia during a hearing in Glasgow. A psychologist tested Hodge in July 2024 at a Bristol care home.
The psychologist stated Hodge has attention problems and struggles to grasp his surroundings. He also has memory issues, repeating only two or three words and pausing for long periods.
The professor stated Hodge would struggle at trial, and he likely couldn’t instruct a lawyer or grasp the legal process, though he understands potential penalties.
The death had investigations in 1984 and 2006, but no further action occurred then. The case reopened in 2021, leading to the current prosecution. A judge scheduled a fact examination, which will take place in Glasgow in September and should last four weeks. The judge declared him unfit for trial.