David Hunter: Cypriot Attorney General to appeal acquittal and sentence of Briton who killed wife

David Hunter was released from prison in July after being found guilty of the manslaughter of his wife Janice. Credit: ITV

Lawyers for a British expat convicted of the manslaughter of his wife say the Cypriot Attorney General is appealing his acquittal and sentence.

David Hunter was released from prison on 31 July after being given a two-year sentence for manslaughter after he admitted killing his wife Janice at their home in Cyprus in December 2019.

Hunter, who was imprisoned for 19 months following her death, was acquitted of premeditated murder following a lengthy trial.

He had told Paphos Assize Court he wanted to end her suffering from blood cancer and said Mrs Hunter had "begged" him to end her life.

David and Janice Hunter had been married for more than 50 years before he killed her to end her suffering from blood cancer. Credit: Handout

Justice Abroad, which has been representing the former miner from Ashington, in Northumberland, said Attorney General intended to appeal his acquittal and sentence.

Responding to the news, Hunter's daughter Lesley Cawthorne said: "The family is devastated by the decision and would again urge compassion for my elderly and frail father. We continue to be be so very grateful for all the support we have had."

Michael Polak, of Justice Abroad, said Hunter was "shocked" but determined to fight the case.

  • Michael Polak, of Justice Abroad

Mr Polak told ITV Tyne Tees: "It's a worrying decision for David. He's been in custody for 19 months. He's 76. It's difficult for anyone to be in custody for that long. It takes its toll on anybody but especially on someone of that age.

"When released last week he was overjoyed and can get on with his life. He can get on with the grieving process and now he has to focus back on the case again."

In a statement, Mr Polak said: "This is a very sad matter; however, it is difficult to see how the continued pursuit of David assists anyone.

"We will continue to fight for David before the Appeal Court of Cyprus as we have done throughout the lengthy mission to free David.  

"David would like to thank everyone from Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and around the world who have shown such strong support during his trial and since his release.”

Justice Abroad is continuing to raise money to assist with the costs of the case.

After leaving prison, Hunter has found a new home in the village he lived, which he said was 200 metres away from her grave.

David Hunter visited his wife's grave for the first time the day after being released from prison. Credit: PA

Following his release, he told ITV he hopes some good will come of his ordeal.

In an interview with GMB, he said he would like the British and Cypriot governments to work together to discuss a law on assisted dying.

“When you take someone’s life, especially your wife who you love, it hurts," he said. “I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through.”

He added: "I hope some good comes of it."

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