58-year-old David March’s wife had suffered for many years with Multiple Sclerosis and had already made two failed suicide attempts. Mr March arrived home from work one day and found his wife making a further attempt to take her own life. She had written a note, saying that she had taken 175 Valium tablets, and had then put a plastic bag over her head. Instead of removing the bag and immediately seeking emergency medical help, Mr March tightened the string on the bag, hastening her death. He said in court that he was worried she would suffer brain damage if she continued to make suicide attempts.
Mr March readily admitted the offence. Because he was previously of good character the courts considered that he represented no threat to the community. He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for twelve months. He was also ordered to do 50 hours of community service.
