Martin Rudin now aged 82 years of age, had been indicted for murder of his 75 year old wife, by asphyxiation.
Applying the recent guidance by the DPP on alleged “mercy killings” the prosecution had concluded this was a proper and necessary prosecution. The matter is not a defence to murder nor manslaughter, but belief in acting out of mercy can be accounted for during the sentencing phase.
Following the provision of multiple psychiatric reports on both sides which were in agreement, the prosecution accepted a plea to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The defendant was sentenced on the 20th of July 2023 to a two year prison term suspended for two years with a three month curfew, a prohibited activity requirement to provide disclosure of future relationships and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
This was a complex, sensitive and tragic case, and has been the subject of extensive media coverage.
Maryam was instructed from the outset by Samantha Woolley CPS East of England Complex Crime Unit.
Please note that views expressed in this post are not necessarily those of 7BR.
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