In a case that has drawn widespread attention, David Hunter, a 76-year-old British expat living in Cyprus, has been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of his wife, Janice Hunter. The tragic incident took place at their home near Paphos in December 2021. Hunter had admitted to killing his wife, but he denied murder, claiming that Mrs. Hunter, who had blood cancer, had pleaded with him to end her life to put an end to her suffering.
The six-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court concluded on Friday 21st July, with a panel of three judges delivering the verdict of manslaughter. Earlier in May, during his testimony, Hunter asserted that he would “never in a million years” have taken his wife’s life unless she had explicitly asked him to do so.
The couple had been together for more than 50 years and moved to Cyprus to retire. They had been living on the island for about 20 years when the tragic events unfolded on 18 December 2021.
David Hunter, describing his wife as his “best friend,” expressed his elation and happiness as he left the court after the verdict was announced. However, the sentencing is scheduled for 27 July in Paphos.
Lesley Cawthorne, the couple’s daughter, expressed her shock at the verdict, stating that she believes her father is not a murderer. She expressed relief that the outcome may give her father a chance at freedom in the future. Michael Polak, director of Justice Abroad, also hopes that Hunter may receive a suspended sentence due to the time he has already spent in custody and the tragic circumstances of the case.
Throughout the trial, Hunter maintained that he was fulfilling his wife’s wishes, as she had repeatedly requested him to help her. He recounted how he held his hands over her mouth and nose, eventually deciding to grant her wish when she became “hysterical.”
The case has elicited strong emotions, with friends and family supporting Hunter’s actions as an act of compassion towards his wife’s suffering. They have portrayed him as a good and caring man who loved his wife deeply. Hunter’s defense argued that he did not plan the act and was overwhelmed by his love for Janice.
Before the verdict was announced, Ms. Cawthorne expressed her desire for her father to come home, emphasizing that she loves him and believes he was trying to help her mother in the way she wanted. The couple had shared a loving and happy marriage of over 50 years.
