A pensioner accused of trying to kill his wife has been acquitted due to his mental health.

John Hill faced a charge of attacking Frances Hill, 81, at a house in Airdrie on August 15 last year.

Prosecutors stated the 83-year-old did repeatedly strike Frances on the head with a hammer.

The woman is said to have lost consciousness as a result.

The attempted murder charge claimed this was to Frances's severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of her life.

The case against her husband called for a hearing today at the High Court in Glasgow.

The OAP was acquitted of the charge by a judge after it was accepted he was suffering from a mental disorder.

Psychiatrists instructed by both the prosecution and Hill's legal team had agreed on this.

Hill was made the subject of a compulsion order for him to continue to remain at the State Hospital at Carstairs for treatment.