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)