David Hunter Found Not Guilty of Murder in Paphos
JUSTICE ABROAD
“Here When You Need Us”
Justice Abroad represents Mr David Hunter, a 75-year-old British man who faced trial in Cyprus after the death of his wife, Janice Hunter, who was suffering from blood cancer. Justice Abroad assembled a top team of lawyers to fight for David Hunter, including Nicoletta Charalambidou, an experienced human rights advocate, and Ritsa Pekri, a criminal law expert on this case.
On Friday, 21 July 2023, the Court delivered a verdict finding David not guilty of ‘Premeditated Murder’ but guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Premeditated murder in Cyprus carried a mandatory life sentence, whilst for manslaughter all sentences are open to the Court, including a suspended sentence. Sentencing was adjourned until 27 July 2023 at 10am.
The Court’s decision means that they agreed with the defence position that this was not a case of premeditated murder as David had acted spontaneously to end the life of his wife of over 50 years, upon her begging him to do so because of the pain she was under.
Michael Polak of Justice Abroad stated:
“We are ecstatic with the result today. This is exactly what we were hoping for. This gives the Court the option of a suspended sentence which we say is appropriate given the time David has already spent in custody, his age, and the tragic facts of this case.
Given that this is the first time that a case such as this has been dealt with before the Cypriot Courts, we will be putting case law before the Court from other common law jurisdictions, such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom where the Courts have decided that a suspended sentence was appropriate in similar circumstances.
This remains a tragic case. Janice and David were in a loving relationship for over 50 years and it is clear that David did what he did out of love for Janice upon her request. We strongly believe that no proper purpose would be served by David spending any further time within Nicosia prison.
David would like to thank everyone for their continued support in this matter which has helped us get to this point today.”
The fact that the case will now be taken to appeal means that funds are needed to fight for David. To donate to the family’s campaign please visit https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-bring-david-home/ The family is overwhelmed with the generous donations they have received, and they thank each and every person who has donated.
For any questions in relation to this case please contact Justice Abroad by email at contact@JusticeAbroad.co.uk or phone on +44 (0)203 488 2316.
Notes to Editors
Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.
Justice Abroad, run by international lawyer Michael Polak, has assembled a team of top investigators, lawyers, and support staff to provide unparalleled support, advice and guidance, legal, advocacy, and investigatory service for your Justice Abroad issues anywhere in the world. The Justice Abroad team with their trusted international pool of multilingual experts, their networks, and media contacts and their well-documented determination to leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth and justice for families who have been denied it are here to provide that much needed support for families and individuals in their time of need.
