A husband who pleaded guilty to killing his seriously ill wife on the grounds of diminished responsibility will be sentenced today.

Robert Cook, 59, had previously denied murdering his wife Vanessa, who had multiple sclerosis, but admitted aiding and abetting her suicide at their home in Camber Close, Crawley, West Sussex.

The not guilty plea to murder was unacceptable to the Crown and a week-long trial was set at Lewes Crown Court in front of Judge Richard Brown.

But at the 11th hour, Cook pleaded guilty last month to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Cook was charged in April last year by Sussex Police after the death of his 55-year-old wife on October 19, 2006.

Full details of the case have not been opened by the Crown and Judge Brown adjourned sentencing for reports to be prepared.

Cook was told all sentencing options would be considered and he was released on unconditional bail.

Sentencing will take place at Lewes Crown Court from 9.45am.