An inquest has heard how a 'devoted' Yeadon man strangled his wife and stabbed her in both eyes.

Gillian and David Oates were described by police as 'a devoted couple' when the inquest into her death opened at Leeds Coroners Court last Thursday.

The inquest revealed how 42-year-old Gillian Dawn Oates had died in her Sunnybank Court home on Thursday, January 30.

Her body went undiscovered for two days until relatives alerted police to her disappearance.

Police went round to the couple's home and found Mr Oates in the bathroom covered in blood where he admitted stabbing her.

Detective Sergeant Paul Malthouse told the inquest: "At 11.50am on Thursday, January 30, the police received a telephone call from relatives concerned about David and Gillian Oates of Sunnybank Court.

"They had not been seen for two days and were not answering calls at home or at work. On arrival PC Hargreaves was met by relatives who told him the doors were locked.

"He found a side door which was unlocked and found David Oates alone in the bathroom.

"He had blood on his face and cuts on his face and left hand. When asked where his wife was he said in the bedroom. PC Hargreaves went in and saw her body lying in the left corner of the room.

"He went back to Mr Oates and he said 'I stabbed her' and he was arrested on suspicion of murder."

Her death was confirmed by paramedics at 12.30pm that day.

Leading pathologist at Sheffield University Dr Woodford carried out the post-mortem and revealed the victim had died from stab wounds and strangulation to the neck.

DS Malthouse said: "The post-mortem revealed Mrs Oates had received two stab wounds on the right side of her neck and further stab wounds to the nose, right breast and to both eyes and strangulation to her neck."

Mrs Oates, who was born in Castleford, was formally identified by her mother Mrs Betty Lodge.

Mr Oates, 48, was taken from the scene to Leeds General Infirmary where he was treated for multiple stab wounds to his left chest, shoulder and back and an x-ray revealed he had a collapsed lung.

He was discharged on Febru--ruary 7 and interviewed at length at Weetwood Police Station.

DS Malthouse added: "He admitted causing the injuries and claimed it was in self defence. He said she stabbed him first, thus explaining his multiple stab wounds.

"He claimed it happened at 3am on Wednesday, January 29. The reason he had delayed in attracting attention was that he had consumed large amounts of alcohol, in fact one and a half bottles of whiskey which rendered him unconscious for that time.

"We found no history of domestic violence and they were portrayed as a devoted couple. He was also deemed fit to be interviewed and was remanded in police custody."

A second post-mortem has been carried out at the request of the defence and her body has now been released.

Leeds District Coroner David Hinchliff said: "I will adjourn the inquest pending the outcome of inquiries and the criminal justice process.

"When I receive the post mortem detailed report I will resume it under section 16 of the Coroners Act 1988. I will now await the outcome of the relevant criminal process."

Mr Oates has been remanded in custody and charged with her murder.

The inquest has been adjourned and a funeral will be held in due course.