Former civil servant Brian James is alleged to have strangled his wife Carol to death at their home on Dunwich Road on November 15 last year.
But before he could enter pleas or face trial, Mr James died in the early hours of February 23 after he was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital from Elmley Prison.
“Mr James was noted to be 81-years-old, extremely frail and his death was not a surprise,” said assistant coroner for Mid-Kent and Medway Sarah Clarke at an inquest opening.
“Whilst he was not noted to have any terminal illness his general health had deteriorated significantly over time.”
The immediate cause of death was given as acute ischemia of the bowel, liver and spleen.
It was alleged that prior to killing Carol, who was an 81-year-old retired bank clerk, Mr James believed they were both infected by hookworm.
He is said to have become frustrated that she continued going outside.
On the morning of November 15, Mrs James was intending to go to a hair appointment, when the Mr James allegedly tried to prevent her by hitting her with a pan and then throttling her.
During the attack, she got hold of the saucepan and hit him over the head with it, it is claimed.
Police responded to a 999 call to the property at 8.22am and found Mrs James collapsed in bed.
Police and paramedics carried out chest compressions but she was pronounced dead at 9.10am.
Mr James was treated in hospital for a head injury before being taken to Lewisham Police Station and charged with murder.
At a subsequent Old Bailey court hearing Mr James was not deemed to be in a fit state to attend.
Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn said the cause of Mrs James’s death was compression of the neck.
He said it appeared the defendant had a “fixation” with a health condition but there was no indication of hookworm infestation.
Last month at Woolwich Crown Court Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams KC formally brought the proceedings against Mr James to an end following his death.
A full inquest into Mr James’ death will take place in October.
