Menu
19/10/2006
Assisted suicide husband receives suspended sentence
A man who helped his seriously ill wife commit suicide has been spared a prison sentence.
David March, 57, from Surrey, admitted aiding and abetting the suicide of his 59-year-old wife, Gillian March, in September this year.
Mrs Marsh, who had suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1984, had previously tried to take her own life on two separate occasions. The Old Bailey heard that on 19 September, David March arrived home to help prepare his wife's lunch, to find her with a plastic bag over her head, also having taken valium. He then helped tighten the string on the bag, held her hand, and then called the emergency services following her death. A post-mortem examination found that Mrs March had died of asphyxiation.
Speaking during the trial, Surrey police said that there was 'unequivocal evidence' that Mrs March had tried to take her own life again.
Judge Brian Barker, the Common Serjeant of London, handed down a nine-month suspended jail sentence because of what he described as the case's "exceptional circumstances".
(CL)
David March, 57, from Surrey, admitted aiding and abetting the suicide of his 59-year-old wife, Gillian March, in September this year.
Mrs Marsh, who had suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1984, had previously tried to take her own life on two separate occasions. The Old Bailey heard that on 19 September, David March arrived home to help prepare his wife's lunch, to find her with a plastic bag over her head, also having taken valium. He then helped tighten the string on the bag, held her hand, and then called the emergency services following her death. A post-mortem examination found that Mrs March had died of asphyxiation.
Speaking during the trial, Surrey police said that there was 'unequivocal evidence' that Mrs March had tried to take her own life again.
Judge Brian Barker, the Common Serjeant of London, handed down a nine-month suspended jail sentence because of what he described as the case's "exceptional circumstances".
(CL)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 October 2004
Patients have asked me to help them die, say one in three doctors
The enormous strain doctors are placed under at work has been revealed by a new survey which found one in three professionals have been asked by a patient for help to die.
Patients have asked me to help them die, say one in three doctors
The enormous strain doctors are placed under at work has been revealed by a new survey which found one in three professionals have been asked by a patient for help to die.
13 August 2015
Sex Offender Prison Sentences At 10-Year High
A new report released today has revealed the prison sentences given to sex offenders has reached a 10-year high. The Criminal Justice System Statistics Quarterly shows that sex offenders are now sentenced on average to more than five years in prison – an increase of 4.5 months in the past year alone.
Sex Offender Prison Sentences At 10-Year High
A new report released today has revealed the prison sentences given to sex offenders has reached a 10-year high. The Criminal Justice System Statistics Quarterly shows that sex offenders are now sentenced on average to more than five years in prison – an increase of 4.5 months in the past year alone.
10 January 2014
Sharp Increase In Online Christmas Sales - BRC
New data has revealed there was a surge in online shopping in the run up to the Christmas period. The survey, published by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said that an increasing use of tablets and smartphones, as well as fast delivery times added to the sharp rise in online shopping before Christmas.
Sharp Increase In Online Christmas Sales - BRC
New data has revealed there was a surge in online shopping in the run up to the Christmas period. The survey, published by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said that an increasing use of tablets and smartphones, as well as fast delivery times added to the sharp rise in online shopping before Christmas.
21 July 2011
Police Need To Transform Their Efficiency, Says Report
A report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, ‘Adapting to Austerity’, found that authorities and forces have made a good start in developing plans for the next four years, but they need to transform their efficiency if they are to succeed in sustaining services while cutting costs.
Police Need To Transform Their Efficiency, Says Report
A report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, ‘Adapting to Austerity’, found that authorities and forces have made a good start in developing plans for the next four years, but they need to transform their efficiency if they are to succeed in sustaining services while cutting costs.
25 July 2005
Police numbers reach record levels
Police numbers in England and Wales have reached record high levels of more than 141,000, the Home Office has reported. The number of police officers has increased by more than 2,000 since March 2004 to 141,230.
Police numbers reach record levels
Police numbers in England and Wales have reached record high levels of more than 141,000, the Home Office has reported. The number of police officers has increased by more than 2,000 since March 2004 to 141,230.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
