Man Accused Of Killing Ill Wife In Cyprus’s 1st Case Involving Euthanasia

Briton David Hunter appeared earlier than the Paphos legal courtroom on Friday. (Representational)

Nicosia, Cyprus:

A British pensioner in Cyprus accused of murdering his terminally ailing spouse will plead responsible to lesser manslaughter fees to keep away from a life sentence, his legal professionals stated Friday.

In a trial regarded as the Mediterranean island’s first involving euthanasia, Briton David Hunter confronted a most 25-year jail time period if discovered responsible of premeditated homicide.

He appeared earlier than the Paphos legal courtroom on Friday, the place judges have been advised a deal had been reached to have him plead responsible to manslaughter when the courtroom reconvenes subsequent month.

“Mr Hunter shall be getting into a plea to manslaughter on agreed information on the subsequent listening to on December 5,” defence lawyer Michael Polak advised reporters.

“We’re very happy that the homicide cost is not on the desk as our goal all alongside has been to get David out of jail and again house as quickly as attainable.”

The 75-year-old former miner has spent practically a yr within the custody of Cypriot authorities.

Polak, from UK-based agency Justice Overseas, stated he hoped “the courtroom might think about suspending” the eventual sentence, given Hunter’s “good character and lengthy and loving relationship along with his spouse”.

Hunter had beforehand pleaded not responsible to homicide, his defence arguing it was a case of assisted suicide.

Hunter and his spouse, Janice had lived collectively for over 50 years.

In December 2021, Janice, who was affected by superior leukaemia, allegedly urged her husband to finish her life.

Following his arrest, Hunter stated he had lastly acquiesced to his spouse’s needs, smothering her to demise within the sitting room of their rented lodging in Tremithousa, close to Paphos, on the island’s west coast.

Police discovered Hunter after he overdosed on prescription tablets and alcohol, in an try and take his personal life.

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