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London businessman ‘persecuted’ over partner’s suicide in Swiss clinic
Sophie Goodchild, Health and Social Affairs Correspondent13 May 2010
A retired businessman who accompanied his dying partner to a Swiss suicide clinic demanded today to be taken to court nearly a year after his arrest.
Alan Rees, 57, is writing to Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, effectively inviting him to bring criminal charges which could result in a jail sentence of up to 14 years.
Mr Rees, of Hackney, was arrested last June after travelling to Dignitas with Raymond Cutkelvin, who had pancreatic cancer. He faces either a police caution or criminal charges.
Mr Rees said he would refuse a caution, adding: “I feel persecuted and I can't get on with my life. I feel, angry, upset, frustrated —- I've done nothing wrong, I've not committedcommited an offence. They've not allowed me to grieve and treated me like a criminal. It's been very upsetting. Why can't they come to a conclusion? They've got the staff and all my files."
The hearing has been postponed until next month because prosecutors law officers still cannot decide if he broke the law.
Mr Rees is among nearly 100 Britons who have travelled to the clinic in Switzerland. Others included conductor Sir Edward Downes, 85, and his wife Joan, 74, who were accompanied by their son Caractacus as they ended their lives. He escaped prosecution.
A physician, Dr Michael Irwin, is also waiting to be charged by the CPS in connection with the death of Mr Cutkelvin and has also written to Mr Starmer.
