Simon Hall's widow has today told his inquest that she felt the 36-year-old killer of Capel St Mary pensioner Joan Albert was not getting adequate help and support in prison before he was found hanged.
On the first day, of what is scheduled to be a seven-day hearing, Stephanie Hall also told the jury she felt betrayed after her husband confessed to the murder of 79-year-old Mrs Albert in a telephone call eight months before his death.
Hall, formerly of Hill House Road, Ipswich was found dead in his cell at Wayland Prison in Thetford on February 23, 2014. He had confessed his guilt to his wife while he was in Hollesley Bay Open Prison in July 2013.
Mrs Hall had been conducting a high profile campaign to overturn her husband's murder conviction at Norwich Crown Court in February 2003.
Hall had been sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing to death Mrs Albert at her home in Boydlands, Capel St Mary. Mrs Albert was found dead early on the morning of December 16, 2001.
Today Norwich Coroner's Court heard Hall had been assessed as being at risk of suicide or self-harm after taking an overdose while at Hollesley Bay Prison following his confession. He had also taken an overdose before his confession.
Statements from two nurses at the Suffolk Open Prison and a prison governor were read out at the inquest.
One nurse said, although no telephone call was made when Hall was transferred to Wayland regarding his mental health, documentation relating to him being at risk of suicide or self-harm was sent to the Norfolk jail on his transfer.
However, Mrs Hall said her husband went through peaks and troughs health wise.
She told the inquest: 'He was clearly a disturbed individual.'
Mrs Hall added, as far as she was aware her husband was not receiving the help and support he needed.
Speaking about the moment Hall told her of his guilt Mrs Hall said: 'He confessed to me on the telephone on July 23 (2013) and I advised him to tell the prison.
'Obviously I was in shock. Even at the point of Simon's death I hadn't come to terms with it. I obviously felt betrayed.
'I had a lot to contend with. Things were extremely difficult but I still loved him.'
The hearing continues.
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