Briton with Alzheimer's disease arrested in Spain after wife called police as she was stabbed to death

David Cadwallader, 80, was arrested in Benalmádena, Spain, for the alleged murder of his wife Lesley Yvonne Denise Cadwallader and spent three nights in custody on sight

A woman was stabbed to death in her apartment on the Costa del Sol (

Image: SOLARPIX.COM)

A Briton has been held for three nights in a Spanish police cell for the alleged murder of his wife after she made a desperate call to 999 as she was stabbed to death.

David Cadwallader, 80, was due to appear before a judge on the Costa del Sol today following the tragedy that took place at the couple's home in the town of Benalmádena on Friday night.

His wife Lesley Yvonne Denise Cadwallader, 69, herself frantically called emergency services and reportedly said her partner stabbed her four times - before the phone line was suddenly cut.

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Police managed to break into the property overlooking the seafront promenade with the help of firefighters.

The tragedy unfolded on Friday evening (

Picture:

SOLARPIX.COM)

Upon arrival, they found the suspect lying on the couple's bed and the woman dead on the kitchen-dining room floor with approximately 20 stab wounds, including several to the neck.

Court officials said the expat, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, would be examined by a specialist before being questioned.

The National Police of Malaga confirmed on Saturday that the detainee had been arrested three times in recent months for domestic violence.

But they said his partner decided not to press charges, which is why there were no measures in place to protect her.

Today a court official said: 'The British man arrested on suspicion of killing his wife in Benalmadena was handed over to court this morning.

"He is in custody awaiting examination by a medical examiner before being questioned."

A judicial source added:...