British Man Jailed for Manslaughter of Terminally Ill Wife in Cyprus

Strategic Insights -

A 76-year-old British man has been sentenced to two years in prison for the manslaughter of his terminally ill wife, who had begged him to end her life. David Hunter, from Northumberland, was convicted of manslaughter after telling the court that his wife, Janice, had "cried and begged" him to help her die as she suffered from blood cancer. Despite arguing for a suspended sentence, Hunter was jailed, but due to time spent on remand, he will be released in August.

Key Takeaways:

  • David Hunter, 76, was sentenced to two years in prison for the manslaughter of his terminally ill wife, Janice, in Cyprus.
  • Hunter had argued that his wife had "cried and begged" him to help her die as she suffered from blood cancer.
  • The couple's daughter, Lesley Cawthorne, had expressed concern about the sentence, saying the family was "apprehensive" ahead of the hearing.
  • Hunter's legal team argued for a suspended sentence, citing case law from common law jurisdictions, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.
  • State prosecutor Andreas Hadjikyrou argued that the Hunters' case was not one of euthanasia, but rather a case of manslaughter.
  • Hunter has been in custody for 19 months and will be released in August due to time spent on remand.

Statistics:

  • The trial lasted over a year.
  • Hunter has spent 19 months in custody.
  • He will be released in August.
  • The couple was married for 52 years.
  • Janice was diagnosed with blood cancer.
  • Hunter has been in Nicosia prison, where he has survived on little more than olives and beans.

Sources:

  • ITV
  • The Mirror
  • BBC
  • Justice Abroad