British Man's Murder Trial in Cyprus Adjourned Until December 20

Strategic Insights -

A court hearing for David Hunter, the 75-year-old British man accused of killing his terminally ill wife, Janice, has been adjourned until December 20. Hunter's defense team had requested Cyprus' attorney-general to reduce the charges to assisted suicide and change the plea to manslaughter, citing Janice's wishes as she suffered from terminal blood cancer. The prosecution has agreed to discuss the case with the attorney-general, leading to the adjournment. Hunter's defense hopes that the new plea will be considered by the court, which could result in a shorter prison sentence.

Key Takeaways:

  • David Hunter, 75, has been accused of murdering his wife, Janice, in December 2021, but his defense team has requested to reduce the charges to assisted suicide and change the plea to manslaughter.
  • Hunter's defense argues that he was acting on his wife's wishes, who was suffering from terminal blood cancer and was on heavy medication.
  • The prosecution has agreed to discuss the case with the Cyprus' attorney-general, leading to the adjournment of the court hearing until December 20.
  • The delay will allow the prosecution to consider the new plea of manslaughter, which, according to State Prosecutor Andreas Hadjikyrou, carries a maximum life sentence in Cyprus, but it is unlikely Hunter will receive a long prison term.
  • Hunter's defense team, led by Justice Abroad's Michael Polak, hopes that the new plea will be considered by the court, which could result in a shorter prison sentence, potentially allowing Hunter to serve his sentence in the UK.

Statistics:

  • Number of British expatriates living in Cyprus: up to 60,000 (exact number not specified)
  • Age of David Hunter: 75
  • Age of Janice Hunter: 74
  • Length of time Janice was told to be on heavy medication for terminal blood cancer: not specified
  • Number of years Hunter's potential prison sentence could be served in the UK: potentially all of it

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • Justice Abroad
  • State Prosecutor Andreas Hadjikyrou (exact quote not specified)