A report in the Guardian this morning states: “The case of Debbie Purdy in 2009 established that friends and family could help someone who is terminally ill travel to Dignitas without fear of prosecution on their return.” The Times (paywall) has said the same.
Assisting or encouraging suicide remains a criminal offence for all individuals. Our policy, which was published following the Purdy case, provides a clear framework for prosecutors to decide which cases should proceed to court and which should not. It does not override the will of Parliament, and neither it nor the ruling in the Purdy case grant anyone immunity from prosecution.
Each allegation is reviewed on its own facts and circumstances. We will prosecute when there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.
Whether or not and to what extent someone acted out of compassion is only one of several factors prosecutors must assess and they do so by considering all of the facts of the case following a thorough investigation.
