David Hunter Given 2 Year Sentence Resulting in Immediate Release
JUSTICE ABROAD
“Here When You Need Us”
Justice Abroad represents Mr David Hunter, a 76-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 Monday 31 July 2023, David Hunter was given a 2-year sentence which means that he will be released from custody immediately. This sentence comes on the back of oral submissions in mitigation at a hearing on Thursday 27 July 2023 and written submission submitted to the Court on the same date which set out sentencing case law from common law jurisdictions in relation to sentences in circumstances similar to those in Mr Hunter’s case.
Mr Hunter had been on trial for Premeditated Murder, a charge which carries a mandatory life sentence, however on Friday, 21 July 2023, he was found not guilty of this charge but guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. In their finding on 21 July 2023 the Court 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 very pleased with the sentence of the Court today which means that David will be free immediately The sentencing exercise was not a simple one given that a case like this has never come before the courts of Cyprus before. We submitted extensive sentencing case law from across the common law world, from Australia to Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to assist the Court in coming to a decision which was fair.
The result of today’s hearing, and the Court’s previous decision finding Mr Hunter not guilty of murder, is what we have been fighting for in this case and David is very pleased with the outcome today. David would like to thank his legal team for their work, the experts who supported his case, and everyone from Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and around the world who has supported him.
This has been a tragic case and difficult for all of those involved with it, but today’s decision was the right one and allows David and his family to grieve together.”
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.