A MAN cleared of killing his wife has died less than a week after the case came to court.

Roy Mackenzie, 78, was accused of the manslaughter of his wife, Audrey, 72, at their home in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Mrs Mackenzie was found by an ambulance crew outside the couple's home, in Back Lane, in November 2004.

Mr Mackenzie was not charged by police until December, last year.

Mrs Mackenzie was described as a bubbly person who was often at the hub of village events.

A local resident said: "She put a lot of effort into events for the community and was always keen to see them through.

"She had a great zest for life."

She was involved in church affairs, a plan to renovate the Mechanics' Institute, village pantomimes and a group known as the Highside Stitchers.

Mr Mackenzie and his wife had lived in Leeds and Hull before they moved to Kirkby Malzeard. Mr Mackenzie was sales manager at Fountains Dairy's cheese factory, in the village.

When the case was dealt with at Leeds Crown Court, the prosecution offered no evidence against Mr Mackenzie.

A formal verdict of not guilty was returned by the judge.

The case reached court on March 17, and Mr Mackenzie died on March 22.

The couple had lived in the village for more than 15 years and had been married for 50 years.

A service and cremation for Mr Mackenzie will take place at Stonefall Crematorium, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on Friday. Donations are requested for The Mission to Seamen.