A woman who accompanied her terminally ill husband to Switzerland and was under investigation for potential prosecution has expressed relief after being informed that charges will not be pursued.
Louise Shackleton, aged 59 and residing in North Yorkshire, revealed that the investigating officer notified her of the decision by the CPS not to proceed with charges. She and her husband, Antony, 59, traveled to Dignitas in December last year, where he suffered from motor neurone disease.
Following the trip, Louise had been under scrutiny by North Yorkshire Police, causing additional distress on top of her husband’s passing. She highlighted the disparity in treatment between assisted deaths in the UK and abroad, emphasizing the emotional burden placed on families in such situations.
Expressing her gratitude for the outcome, Louise stated her confidence in her innocence, pointing out the absence of prosecutions for individuals supporting loved ones in Switzerland for assisted deaths. She emphasized that the lack of coercion or wrongdoing in such cases should be recognized.
Additionally, she mentioned the ongoing legislative developments regarding assisted dying, with the Assisted Dying Bill currently under scrutiny in the House of Lords. Louise expressed hope that the Lords would consider public opinion and professional advice in their decision-making process.
While opponents raise concerns about the societal impact of family-assisted dying, Louise argued for open discussions on the topic to alleviate suffering while maintaining respect for life. She praised her late husband’s bravery and the potential impact of his story on others facing similar situations.
The CPS declined to provide a comment on the matter, and inquiries were made to North Yorkshire Police for their input.