An inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the death of a doctor who was stabbed to death by his wife at their home in Cornwall six years ago.

Geraint Hughes was killed by his wife Marion in November 2013 at their home in Feock, near  Truro . She had been released from a mental health unit just seven days before the incident.

Marion Hughes, who was also a retired doctor, was initially charged with his murder and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. She was detained in hospital in 2014.

A report into the incident by Safer Cornwall (Cornwall’s Community Safety Partnership) concluded that while the death could not be predicted, it could have been prevented.

A domestic homicide review stated that Dr Hughes “adored his wife and did all he could to protect and care for her”.

Marion Hughes, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her husband Geraint Hughes
Marion Hughes, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her husband Geraint Hughes

The family of Dr Hughes, who was known as 'Gary' and 'Tiger' and worked as a GP in  Redruth , said at the time that they hoped lessons would be learned from the tragedy.

Today – Friday, June 21 - a pre-inquest hearing was heard at Truro Magistrates’ Court to determine whether a full inquest would go ahead, and what evidence would be considered.

Coroner Andrew Cox, acting senior coroner for Cornwall, requested further reports from the medical professionals who dealt with Mrs Hughes’ care.

An inquest aims to answer four key questions; who has died, where and when they died and how they died.

In regards to the question of how, the inquest will explore elements regarding Mrs Hughes’ care.

The full inquest is due to take place between August 14 and August 16.