New fears for British pensioner released from prison after admitting to killing his terminally ill wife as Cyprus prosecutors announced a new bid to convict him
- David Hunter murdered his terminally ill wife Janice in Paphos in December 2021
The British pensioner released from prison for killing his terminally ill wife could still face life behind bars in Cyprus after prosecutors appealed his sentence.
David Hunter, 76, was finally released last week after serving 19 months in prison when judges acquitted him of first-degree murder and convicted him of manslaughter.
It saw him finally able to visit the grave of his beloved late wife Janice, 74, whom he choked to end with blood cancer at the house they retreated to in a village outside Paphos.
But now he will be dragged back to the Court of Appeal after the country’s attorney general challenges both the verdict and his sentence in writing.
If successful, his acquittal for murder could be overturned and a mandatory life sentence imposed. Even if that fails, his two-year sentence for manslaughter – which he was released due to time constraints – could also be extended.
David Hunter, 76, from Northumberland, joins the Daily Mail on August 2, 2023 for an exclusive interview after being released from prison in Cyprus
He visits the grave of his late wife Janice to lay flowers on August 1, 2023 for the first time since his release.
Mr Hunter was left penniless by the marathon court case and his family is now desperately trying to find money to fight the appeal.
His daughter, Lesley Cawthorne, who led the campaign to have him released, said: ‘The family is devastated by the decision and would again press for sympathy for my elderly and frail father.
“We remain so incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve had.” Mr Hunter’s lawyers were also enthusiastic about the decision to appeal the verdict, which came 10 days after the sentencing – the last day under Cypriot law you can appeal.
Justice Abroad’s Michael Polak said: ‘We are naturally very disappointed with the Attorney General’s decision to appeal today, which prevents David from moving on with his life.
“He spent 19 months in prison and during that time he faced legal processes that would be difficult for anyone, but especially someone his age.
‘This is a very sad thing; however, it’s hard to see how David’s constant pursuit helps anyone.
Retired miner David Hunter is pictured with his wife, Janice Hunter
David Hunter leaves Paphos court in Cyprus after being released from custody
David posed for a photo with Janice on their wedding day in 1969 after dating for about three years
The Hunters, pictured with their daughter Lesley, sold their home in Ashington in 2001 to take up permanent residence in Paphos
He was sentenced to two years, but judges ruled that he had served enough time after 19 months in prison
“We will continue to fight for David before the Cyprus Court of Appeal, as we did during the long mission to free David.
“David would like to thank everyone from Cyprus, the UK and around the world who have shown so much support during his trial and since his release.” The defense team will now submit written submissions for a hearing at a later date in the capital Nicosia.
Mr Hunter’s trial was the first-ever euthanasia case on the Mediterranean island and sparked fierce debate in the Greek Orthodox country.
The Cypriot parliament is expected to debate the taboo subject next month, with the British pensioner’s case likely to feature prominently.
It has agitated the Orthodox Church, which would vehemently oppose any attempt to introduce pro-euthanasia legislation.
It is feared that such pressure could have influenced the attorney general’s decision to file the appeal.
Visit crowdjustice.com/case/helpbring-david-home/ to make a donation to Lesley Cawthorne’s fundraiser to cover David’s legal bills