Sunday Times Covers Attorney General’s Appeal Against David Hunter Euthanasia Murder Acquittal and Quotes Justice Abroad Director Michael Polak

In a lengthy article published on 4 April 2026, the Sunday Times covered the appeal by the Attorney General of Cyprus against the acquittal of Justice Abroad client, David Hunter, for the murder of his wife Janice, who was suffering from blood cancer and requested that he help end her life.  The result of the Attorney General succeeding would be that David spends the rest of his life in prison in Cyprus.

As well as appealing against the murder acquittal the Attorney General is also seeking to overturn the sentence of David for Manslaughter, after he was released following the end of his trial in July 2023 having served 2 years.

Justice Abroad represents David Hunter with Nicoletta Charalambidou, an experienced human rights advocate, and Ritsa Pekri, a criminal law expert.

In the article by journalists Izzy Lyons, News Reporter, and Katie Gatens, Europe correspondent. they explain that:

A British man who killed his seriously ill wife in Cyprus has been moved into a care home as he can no longer “walk, shower or dress” alone, his daughter has revealed, as authorities continue to pursue him in the courts.

David Hunter, 78, was convicted of the manslaughter of his wife, Janice, 74, in an assisted suicide at their home in Paphos in 2021. Hunter told his trial that she “cried and begged” him to end her life as she suffered from blood cancer but the police argued that he killed her for “selfish motives”.

The Cypriot prosecution sought a premeditated murder conviction, which would carry a life sentence, but he was instead found guilty by a judge of manslaughter. He was sentenced to two years in prison and was released in 2023.

In a hearing on March 26, a court in Nicosia was told that Hunter, a former miner, is experiencing serious ill health. The judge asked the prosecution if it would withdraw its appeal in light of the circumstances, but the state’s lawyers said no and requested its continuation.

The article quotes David’s daughter Lesley Cawthorne:

Lesley Cawthorne, his daughter, warned that a return to prison “would have a disastrous impact on my father’s physical and mental health”. She revealed that he was suffering from cognitive and physical decline, particularly with his breathing, and has recently moved into a care home.

My father cannot walk, shower or dress without assistance,” she said. “He is unable to prepare his own food or drive. After working as a coalminer for almost 40 years, he has breathing difficulties, which cause extreme weakness.

In the last few months my father has suffered severe cognitive decline. He can no longer manage his own financial affairs or medical needs without assistance. His memory is badly affected and he struggles to process information. He has great difficulty in remembering conversations he had only a day earlier

The article also quotes Justice Abroad’s Director and barrister Michael Polak:

“Hunter’s lawyer, Michael Polak, said it was “disappointing” that the appeal was being pursued. Polak said: “Cases in relation to euthanasia and assisted suicide are always fraught with emotion. However, it is hard to see how this appeal, three years after the assize court’s decision, is in the public interest.

“He is now living in care and a reversal of the acquittal for premeditated murder would result in him spending the rest of his life in Nicosia prison. This is a difficult place for anyone, let alone for someone who will [soon] be 79 years old and needs constant care because of his health problems.”

Polak added: “David was tried before the Paphos assize court over a period of 17 months, with the Court hearing extensive evidence from the 19 prosecution witnesses, two defence witnesses. 

“It is clear that the assize court listened to the evidence carefully and we hope the Court of Criminal Appeal will take that into account when they consider the prosecution’s appeal. The assize court was clearly best placed to evaluate the evidence in this case having spent so much time considering it carefully.”

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.