Trial Of Facts Held Into Death Of Man At Flat In Brighton

A trial of facts has taken place at Lewes Crown Court this week into the death of a man in Brighton.

70-year-old Andrew Rowland-Stuart was sadly declared deceased at his flat in Lavender Street on the evening of 27 May, 2024.

A post mortem concluded he died from stab wounds.

His wife – 71-year-old Joanna Rowland-Stuart – was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, and remanded in custody.

Following a psychiatric assessment, she was considered not fit to plea, and this decision and assessment was upheld by a judge at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 21 July.

A trial of facts followed – this was to determine whether or not the defendant unlawfully killed her husband.

On 24 July, a jury agreed the defendant did commit the act and she was given an indefinite Hospital Order Under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, from Sussex Police, said:

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Andrew and we want to thank everyone who has assisted us in this complex investigation.”

Andrew’s family issued the following statement:

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with this case over the past year.

“To DC Anna Stacey for her care and communication with the family while we were in England and back home in New Zealand, and to Andrew’s Sussex 4x4 family, especially Jason who helped us immensely while we were there.”