A HUSBAND was sentenced to a hospital order and restriction order without limit of time, both under the Mental Health Act, for the manslaughter of his wife in 2009 at their home.

Harjinder Pal was arrested following the killing but was deemed unfit to be tried and detained under the Mental Health Act.

A recent assessment of his mental health led to him being considered fit to stand trial at the Old Bailey, where he admitted manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.

Wife Kulvir Kaur was just 21 at the time of her death. She and Pal had an arranged marriage in India in 2008 and Pal moved to England to live with her the following year. Kulvir worked for a linen cleaning company in Southall.

The couple lived with a family friend and his nephew. To those that knew them, they seemed like a happily-married couple and Kulvir was described as a happy person who was always smiling.

However, on the morning of February 28, Pal strangled Kulvir with a ligature.

Medical experts concluded Pal was suffering schizoid affective disorder, which meant he had delusional jealousy with no basis in fact.

This was agreed in court by prosecution and defence and the judge sentenced him on this basis.

Baljit Ubhey, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said: “Only 16 days after moving in together, Kulvir was strangled to death in her bed by Pal.

“He claimed his motivation for the killing was his belief that his wife had been having affairs with other men. These allegations were completely untrue and unfounded.

“The allegations caused great distress to Kulvir’s family and have had a significant impact on their lives. I hope Pal’s conviction and sentence provide some comfort to them.”