Perth nurse jailed for trying to kill frail husband by injecting him with insulin

A Perth nurse found guilty of trying to kill her frail husband by injecting him with insulin has been sentenced to nine years behind bars.

A court today heard Wendy Sym was suffering from carer's fatigue and was at the end of her tether when she attempted to end the life of her husband of almost 40 years, a man who she loved to bits.

Kenneth Sym had been diagnosed with vascular dementia and his wife, who was a nurse, was caring for him full-time.

READ MORE: Struggling Australians turn to Buy Now Pay Later services to pay for essentials

He was admitted to Joondalup Health Campus after suffering a second stroke and it was there his wife administered the rapid-acting insulin in 2021.

A suspicious nurse found the vial in a bathroom bin shortly after Ms Sym had left the room.

The type of insulin was not one used there and had instead been sourced from Princess Margaret Hospital, where Ms Sym once worked.

Her lawyer told the court the 63-year-old, who was watching her husband fade away, was suffering carer's fatigue and that affected her ability to make calm and rational decisions.

Mr Sym survived the overdose but died from natural causes two months later.

Ms Sym was convicted of attempted murder by a jury in April, but the court today heard she still denies responsibility.

She collapsed in the dock as the nine-year sentence for attempted murder was handed down and had to be helped from the floor.

In sentencing, Justice Amanda Forrester accepted Ms Sym was in a state of emotional turmoil, but said the offending constituted a breach of trust and Mr Sym was particularly vulnerable.

Ms Sym will have to serve at least seven years in jail before she is eligible for parole.