Heinz Klinkermann
A YANDOIT man has been spared a jail term for attempting to kill his very sick wife last year.
Heinz Klinkermann , 73, appeared in the Victorian Supreme Court in Ballarat today, where he pleaded guilty to one charge of attempted murder.
Justice Betty King was told earlier today the man had also attempted to take his own life, leaving a suicide note that read, "I can't see my Beryl slip away".
This afternoon, Justice King sentenced Klinkerman to an 18 month community corrections order, with conditions that he accept medical and mental health treatment.
At a plea hearing this morning, Crown Prosecutor Mark Rochford told Justice King that Klinkermann's wife Beryl was very sick when the incident occurred at their Yandoit home near Daylesford, in August last year.
Defence barrister Tim Marsh said his client had researched euthanasia on the internet and was convinced there was nobody but him who could care for his sick wife.
The suicide note left behind was written in both German and English.
Klinkermann is currently on a restraining order and has not seen his wife - who is still alive - since the ordeal.
If you or someone you know needs assistance or support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.