PAPHOS, Cyprus (Reuters) – A British man convicted of killing his terminally ill wife in Cyprus has been released after being sentenced to time served. The case may set a precedent in a country that does not allow assisted dying.
David Hunter, a retired miner aged 76, was found not guilty of premeditated murder on July 21 but was instead convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife in December 2021. The court in Paphos sentenced him to two years in prison.
The verdict may hold significance as Cyprus’s parliament plans to debate euthanasia under medical supervision in the future. The court ruled on July 21 that Hunter’s action was not premeditated, which would have resulted in a mandatory life sentence, but a spontaneous act by a tormented individual.
Janice Hunter, aged 74, had been suffering from a rare type of blood cancer and had pleaded with her husband of over 50 years to help her die due to her constant pain. David suffocated her with his hands at their home in Paphos before attempting to take his own life using pills and alcohol.
“The sentencing exercise was complex as a case like this has never been brought before the courts in Cyprus,” said Michael Polak from the advocacy group Justice Abroad. “We are pleased with today’s court decision, which means that David will be released immediately.”
During Monday’s hearing, the criminal court in Paphos sentenced Hunter to two years in prison, equivalent to the time he had already spent in custody. In Cyprus, a prison year typically amounts to nine calendar months, with potential reductions for good behavior.
(Reporting By Michele Kambas; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
