Briton Who Killed Terminally Unwell Spouse in Cyprus Freed After Sentencing

PAPHOS, Cyprus (Reuters) – A Briton discovered responsible of killing his terminally ailing spouse in Cyprus walked free on Monday after in impact being sentenced to time already served, in what might show to be a take a look at case for a rustic that doesn’t allow assisted dying.

Retired miner David Hunter, 76, had been cleared of premeditated homicide on July 21 over the loss of life of his spouse in December 2021, and as an alternative convicted of the lesser cost of manslaughter. The courtroom in Paphos gave him a two-year jail time period.

In a verdict that will carry some weight when Cyprus’s parliament talk about euthanasia beneath medical supervision after the summer season, the courtroom had discovered on July 21 that his motion was not premeditated – which might have meant a compulsory life sentence – however the “impulsive act” of a person in torment.

Janice Hunter, 74, had suffered from a uncommon kind of blood most cancers. In fixed ache, she had repeatedly beseeched David, her husband of greater than 50 years, to assist her die.

He suffocated her along with his palms at their Paphos residence, then tried to take his personal life with drugs and alcohol.

“The sentencing train was not a easy one given {that a} case like this has by no means come earlier than the courts of Cyprus earlier than,” stated Michael Polak of the advocacy group Justice Overseas.

“We’re more than happy with the sentence of the Courtroom at present, which signifies that David will likely be free instantly.”

In Monday’s listening to, the prison courtroom within the western city of Paphos handed Hunter a time period of two years in jail, which equated to the time he had already spent in custody.

In Cyprus, a jail yr usually means 9 calendar months, with as much as six days a month in remissions for good behaviour.

(Reporting By Michele Kambas; Modifying by Kevin Liffey)

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