Top prosecutor urges suicide caution (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Families told to discuss guidelines

3:49pm Thursday 24th September 2009 in News

West Yorkshire Chief Crown Prosecutor Neil Franklin has urged people who could be affected by new guidelines over assisted suicide to carefully consider the details.

Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, published the interim policy this week after the Law Lords backed Bradford multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy’s call for a policy statement on whether people who help someone commit suicide should be prosecuted.

Mr Franklin urged people to make themselves fully aware of guidelines and discuss them with family and friends.

He said: “But it is important to be clear on a few points before you do. Suicide is legal in England and Wales, but the act of assisting the suicide of someone else is not.

“Assisting suicide has been an offences since 1961 and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.

“No-one, no matter what the circumstances, can be given immunity from prosecution.”

Mr Franklin said the policy has no relevance to euthanasia and has been drafted to achieve a balance between protecting the vulnerable while giving those faced with a very difficult choice of whether to ask for help in ending their lives the opportunity to make an informed decision.

He said: “The factors which the DPP considers when deciding if it serves the public interest to prosecute are now available for everyone to see on the CPS website, so if you can, log on and have a look.”

For more information go to cps.gov.uk.