Menu
21/09/2009
Legal Focus On Assisted Suicide
The head of Britain's public prosecution service will this week clarify the legal position of relatives involved in so-called 'assisted suicides'.
At present, those found guilty of aiding a person to end their life can face up to 14 years in prison.
A high-profile court challenge in July prompted the government to review the law.
It is believed around 100 British people have ended their lives with the help of Swedish centre Dignitas in the last 17 years.
Campaigners now want the courts to spell out clearly the consequences relatives, who help loved ones take their lives, can expect.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said the new guidelines would only be applicable in England and Wales, insisting that there would be no change in the law.
"What we're doing this week...is to clarify when individuals are more likely to be prosecuted or more unlikely not to be prosecuted," he told the BBC.
Mr Starmer said at present prosecutions were only pursued where the courts could prove the accomplice had something to gain from the suicide.
The guidance would "list the factors that are likely to lead to a prosecution and those that aren't," he said.
MS sufferer Debbie Purdy sought reassurances from the court that her partner would not be sent to jail, if she decided to take her life, with his support.
"In publishing his guidelines, he will let us know so I will know in advance what choices I can make and what consideration I have to have to make sure that anybody who helps me is not prosecuted," she said.
(PR/BMcC)
At present, those found guilty of aiding a person to end their life can face up to 14 years in prison.
A high-profile court challenge in July prompted the government to review the law.
It is believed around 100 British people have ended their lives with the help of Swedish centre Dignitas in the last 17 years.
Campaigners now want the courts to spell out clearly the consequences relatives, who help loved ones take their lives, can expect.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said the new guidelines would only be applicable in England and Wales, insisting that there would be no change in the law.
"What we're doing this week...is to clarify when individuals are more likely to be prosecuted or more unlikely not to be prosecuted," he told the BBC.
Mr Starmer said at present prosecutions were only pursued where the courts could prove the accomplice had something to gain from the suicide.
The guidance would "list the factors that are likely to lead to a prosecution and those that aren't," he said.
MS sufferer Debbie Purdy sought reassurances from the court that her partner would not be sent to jail, if she decided to take her life, with his support.
"In publishing his guidelines, he will let us know so I will know in advance what choices I can make and what consideration I have to have to make sure that anybody who helps me is not prosecuted," she said.
(PR/BMcC)
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.
18 April 2011
Power Station Protesters Urged To Appeal
Protesters are being urged to appeal their convictions for trespass at a power station. Kier Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the 20 protesters they had been infiltrated by an undercover police officer. The CPS are said to have reviewed the convictions surrounding allegations about the undercover officer.
Power Station Protesters Urged To Appeal
Protesters are being urged to appeal their convictions for trespass at a power station. Kier Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the 20 protesters they had been infiltrated by an undercover police officer. The CPS are said to have reviewed the convictions surrounding allegations about the undercover officer.
11 September 2015
MPs Debate Assisted Dying Bill
MPs will today, Friday, debate a Private Members Bill on assisted dying, which seeks to enable competent adults who are terminally ill to choose to be provided with medically supervised assistance to end their own life.
MPs Debate Assisted Dying Bill
MPs will today, Friday, debate a Private Members Bill on assisted dying, which seeks to enable competent adults who are terminally ill to choose to be provided with medically supervised assistance to end their own life.
02 October 2008
Seventy Years Imprisonment For Heroin Smugglers
Three members of a drug smuggling network have been sentenced for a total of 70 years in prison for their part in distributing huge quantities of heroin throughout the Midlands. Ronald van Overveld drove the drugs across from the Netherlands on at least two occasions. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Seventy Years Imprisonment For Heroin Smugglers
Three members of a drug smuggling network have been sentenced for a total of 70 years in prison for their part in distributing huge quantities of heroin throughout the Midlands. Ronald van Overveld drove the drugs across from the Netherlands on at least two occasions. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
20 October 2004
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
