Judgment date for Melksham man's right-to-die appeal (From Wiltshire Times)

Judgment date for Melksham man's right-to-die appeal

3:30pm Friday 27th July 2012 in Melksham By Chris Melvin

A date has been set for the judgment in Melksham man Tony Nicklinson’s right-to-die appeal at the High Court.

Mr Nicklinson, 59, has suffered from “locked-in syndrome” after a 2005 stroke which left him paralysed and only able to communicate via eye movements.

He finds his life intolerable but because of the extent of his disabilities is unable to take his own life, rather he would have to be killed by someone, which under current law would leave that person to face a murder charge.

He has launched his case for a doctor to be able to lawfully end his life without fear of prosecution, using a defence of “necessity” to end his suffering.

Mr Nicklinson said: "It cannot be acceptable in 21st century Britain that I am denied the right to take my own life just because I am physically handicapped.

"We are all individuals and each person deserves an individual solution to his particular circumstances.

"A one-size-fits-all solution of better care and more of it, such as opponents advocate, is clearly not the answer. The option of assisted dying should be available."

The Ministry of Justice opposed the case arguing any such ruling would profoundly change the murder laws.

It was heard in front of three judges at the High Court in June, and their judgement will come on August 16. Whatever the verdict, it is likely there will be an appeal from the losing side.