Euthanasia, Murder and Ethics.

[Lanky123]

But I disagree. Her actions led directly to his changed circumstances, and he found those intolerable to the point of ending his life. That decision, thrust on him solely by her ctiminal act, resulted in hus death. She, IMHO, bears full responsibility.

Have there not already been numerous cases of people being done for murder/manslaughter, because their actions and their proven intent to cause harm ultimately drove the victims to suicide?

I would feel uncomfortable with a precedent in which subsequent action on the part of the victim (in this case suicide) has a direct impact on sentencing. In a small number of people it might end up being a motivation to go through with a suicide they otherwise wouldn't have - they won't feel that they will get the full justice they deserve otherwise. That is not to say the perpetrator in this case should get off lightly - to my mind the 'throwing a corrosive substance with intent' charge should carry a sufficient penalty to cover the possible eventualities anyway.

[Ttaskmaster]

I would feel uncomfortable with a precedent in which subsequent action on the part of the victim (in this case suicide) has a direct impact on sentencing. In a small number of people it might end up being a motivation to go through with a suicide they otherwise wouldn't have

There already is the provision for such a thing:

Suicide Act 1961
1961 CHAPTER 60 9 and 10 Eliz 2

A person (“D”) commits an offence if—
(a)D does an act capable of encouraging or assisting the suicide or attempted suicide of another person, and
(b)D's act was intended to encourage or assist suicide or an attempt at suicide.

Even if the victim does end their life, the argument is that they would not do so without the 'encouragement' from the accused. So it all depends on what you prove the accused's intent was... the attempt doesn't even have to succeed for it to be a crime.

[johnroe]

I'd separate the Euthanasia from this case. I think that was his decision. I'm glad a jury has to make these decisions, because any public debate is based partial information and speculation. So I'm sure they've made the right decision, and the judge will weight the sentence accordingly for that offence.

I think real questions need to be asked about abusive relationships; whether that's so called 'honour attacks' or by jealous partners. If you choose acid as weapon, the aim is not often to kill but to ruin the other person's life. I'd refer her for a psychological evaluation, if she hasn't already had one.

[hb904460]

Interesting to hear that she got life with a minimum of 12 years.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-44222057

A very similar sentence to a murder conviction.