A man accused of the mercy killing of his partner has pleaded guilty to her manslaughter.
David Scott Mathers, 66, pleaded guilty in the NSW Supreme Court to the manslaughter of Eva Griffith, 78, at her Ashfield home in July 7, 2009.
Mathers had told police his partner of 22 years had wanted to commit suicide as she was in constant pain from osteoarthritis.
He said he was present when Ms Griffith tried to overdose on antidepressants during the night of July 5.
He told police he suffocated her with a plastic bag when she was still alive on July 7.
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Mathers had initially been charged with her murder but after psychiatric examination by the crown and defence, he pleaded to the lesser charge on the grounds of substantial mental impairment.
Crown Prosecutor Mark Hobart SC said the crown would not be seeking a full-time custodial sentence.
Justice Peter Hall continued Mathers' bail and will sentence him on April 21.
