David Hunter Gives Evidence in Murder Case in Paphos and Speaks About His Wife’s Request for Him to Help End Her Life
JUSTICE ABROAD
“Here When You Need Us”
Justice Abroad represents Mr David Hunter, a 75-year-old British man who is facing murder charges in Cyprus after the death of his wife, Janice Hunter, who was suffering from blood cancer. Justice Abroad has 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.
Today, 15 May 2023, Mr Hunter gave evidence to the Court explaining that:
- He had been in a long and loving relationship with his wife Janice for over 55 years after meeting her at a dance at a miner’s club;
- Note only was she his wife but also his best friend;
- He worked up to 7 days a week in the coal mines to support his family and send his daughter to university;
- He and Janice had a happy retirement in Cyprus before she became unwell;
- She was in a lot of pain because of the blood transfusions she had to have because of the blood cancer she suffered;
- That towards the end of her life she was so unwell that she could no longer walk upstairs, and they had to sleep in a lounge chair downstairs;
- That she repeatedly told him that she wanted him to help end her life and by the end of her life she was begging him to help her, but he continuously refused to do so;
- That he had hoped that she would change her mind about wanting to end her life and was hoping for ‘a miracle or something good to happen’; and
- That he acted, without pre-planning, when she begged him again one day and was in pain and then sought to end his own life by taking medication which was in the house already.
The trial was adjourned until 9.30am on Tuesday 23 May 2023 when the defence will call further witnesses who knew the couple.
Michael Polak has stated the following:
“Today was a very emotional and difficult day for David however he was pleased to final be able to explain what has happened.
He gave evidence about his relationship of over 55 years with his wife Janice after meeting her at a miner’s dance and that he was a devoted husband who worked up to 7 days in the coal mine to support his family and send his daughter to university.
David gave evidence about his wife’s health problems and that she was in intense pain and begged him to help end her life. He stated that he continued to refuse to do so however finally, one day, when he saw how much pain she was in, he spontaneously acted. He then tried to end his own life but was unsuccessful.
This case is a very sad one but what came through in today’s evidence was how much David loved his wife as he stated ‘she was not only my wife but also my best friend.’
Numerous press outlets have covered today’s hearing:
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/david-hunter-ill-wife-cyprus-murder-trial-b2339048.html
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/david-hunter-trial-cyprus-wife-mercy-killing-evidence-qp5vn3998
- https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-brit-accused-murdering-wife-29980439
The extended nature of the proceedings has meant 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.