Internet ‘suicide helper’ found not guilty

Another troubling article in yesterday’s The Times.

It reports of how a computer analyst in London had posted a message on the Internet offering to help suicide attempts was cleared of breaking the law. He suggested that he would be “only too happy to help” and that his methods would involve drugs and asphyxiation.

The court held that there was insufficient evidence (they had to be more than merely preparatory) despite emails to respondents such as:

"Take heart, your troubles will be over very soon. You will never have to worry about letting anyone down again.”

“I can guarantee that it won’t hurt. It will be just like falling asleep and travelling to a far better place.”

“You will soon be free of all your pain ... Just bring your medication. I will do the rest.”

“Things do look bleak for you don’t they? It could soon be over. I have a quick and painless method.”

“My Dear Daniel, there’s no need to be afraid, it will just be like drifting off into a long peaceful sleep.”

This, and a programme I caught last night on Discovery Channel’s Crime Night which featured a sadistic killer who enjoyed S&M porn (in the case reported in the Times article police office seized 2 photographs depicting people with bags over their heads) and took pleasure in watching his victims die (I wonder whether there’s a name for this kind of mental illness), got me thinking – suicidal people could be a perfect target for killers like these. And the Internet the perfect tool for them to get in touch with them (and perhaps escape liability). As far as we know, this particular person did not actually kill anyone (he probably would have been convicted if he did). But what I find most disgusting is that people like these, who may have such sinister motives, could kill while hiding under the banner of compassion!