A MAN who was caught trying to smother his dying father on a hospital ward after learning he had no chance of survival was jailed for six-and-a-half years today.

Joseph Peachey, 49, was caught by a nurse with one hand over the dementia sufferer’s mouth and the other pinching his nose after being overheard telling him “to just die”.

He had been distraught after learning Albert Peachey, 79, had no hope of recovery and would not be allowed to die at home in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

A jury found Peachey unanimously guilty of attempting to murder his father at the Eastbourne District General Hospital following a four-day trial at Lewes Crown Court in June.

He had admitted four counts of assault after he lashed out at hospital staff and police officers when they intervened.

A Taser was used to restrain him during the incident on December 20 last year.

He was sentenced to a total of six months for the assault offences, along with six years for the attempted murder offence.

Judge Richard Hayward said: “While I have no doubt that you were upset, your violent reaction, I’m satisfied, was also borne out of not being able to do what you wanted.”

Jurors heard that Mr Peachey, who had bowel cancer and had suffered a “massive” stroke, died five days later but his son’s actions were not believed to have contributed.