Brighton Woman Ruled Unfit To Face Trial Over Husband’s Death
A 71-year-old woman from Brighton will not face a murder trial after being declared medically unfit to plead in connection with the death of her husband.
Joanna Rowland-Stuart was due to answer a charge of murdering 70-year-old Andrew Rowland-Stuart at their shared home in Lavender Street, but medical assessments revealed she is unable to understand or participate in court proceedings.
The decision was made following a special hearing at Lewes Crown Court, where Judge Christine Laing KC accepted expert reports highlighting serious issues with Rowland-Stuart’s memory and mental capacity.
70-year-old Andrew Rowland-Stuart – This image has been released with the consent of his next of kin:
Instead of a full criminal trial, the court will now conduct a special legal process known as a “trial of the facts.” In this type of hearing, the jury will be asked to determine only whether Rowland-Stuart physically carried out the act alleged — in this case, causing her husband’s death — without making any judgment about her intent or criminal responsibility.
No plea has been entered, and details of the incident, which took place in May 2024, have not yet been fully outlined in open court.
During the hearing earlier this month, the judge said the defendant would not be able to give reliable evidence or withstand cross-examination, making a fair trial impossible in her current condition.
If the upcoming fact-finding hearing concludes that Rowland-Stuart was involved in the act, the court may impose alternative measures such as a hospital order or other supervised care arrangements, depending on ongoing health assessments.
The rare ruling highlights the challenges courts face when mental health issues intersect with serious criminal allegations, raising broader questions about justice, safety, and care for vulnerable defendants.
Rowland-Stuart remains in custody pending further proceedings.
