AN investigation has ruled nothing could have been done to prevent a Rowley Regis husband killing his wife and himself over worries about Japanese knotweed.

Laboratory technician Kenneth McRae feared his house would be blighted by invasive weed that had appeared over his garden wall from Rowley Regis golf course.

Police discovered the decomposing remains of his 55-year-old wife Jayne, who had died from a head injury, in July 2013 at their home in Bryan Budd Close.

They also found Mr McRae, aged 52, who had committed suicide by cutting his wrists and throat several days after killing her.

In a suicide note he spoke warmly of his wife but said he had killed her while his mind had been disturbed by the presence of the Japanese knotweed.

The Safer Sandwell Partnership commissioned an independent review to identify what lessons could be learned in line with Home Office guidance following adult deaths resulting from domestic violence, abuse or neglect.

The domestic homicide review, published last Thursday concluded “no reasonable person” could have anticipated Mr McRae’s actions.

It found no indication he had been abusive towards his wife before the tragedy and the responsibility lay entirely with him for her death.

It stated: “His actions were completely out of character, came entirely without warning and had no rationale that can be understood by outside agencies or anyone who knew him.

“The homicide could not have been predicted or prevented by local agencies and no opportunities to intervene were missed.

“Reluctantly, the panel has had to conclude that a similar tragedy cannot be prevented in future if the same circumstances occur again.”

Chief superintendent Matt Ward, chairman of the Safer Sandwell Partnership, said: “This is a tragic case where a man killed his wife and then himself.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with their family as we publish this review.”

He added: “While there are no lessons or recommendations coming out of this particular review, we continue to work together as agencies to do all we can to prevent domestic violence."