75-year-old British man faces life imprisonment in Cyprus jail for ‘killing’ terminally ill wife

David Hunter, a person of British descent, believed to have murdered his terminally sick wife, might face life in prison in Cyprus after his plea offer was sensationally rejected.

Both sides' legal teams decided last month to allow David Hunter, 75, to plead guilty to manslaughter rather than intentional homicide, which carries a 10-year term. Whereas, the latter is punishable by life imprisonment.

The former Northumberland miner, who has served the last year in a Cypriot cell, claims he murdered his spouse of 56 years, Janice, at their house in Paphos in December last year at her request.


The plea bargain was rejected this morning, and a full-fledged murder conviction was announced.

Hunter was expected to appear in court and plead guilty to manslaughter, a lesser sentence that would have saved him from life imprisonment.

Michael Polak, director of Justice Abroad, who is managing Hunter's defence, accused the prosecution side of behaving in bad faith after they made an impromptu turncoat.

Michael claimed, "We are very disappointed by the decision of the prosecution to go back on the agreed facts that they had put forward and which had been agreed between the parties so that the charge could be changed to manslaughter."



He accused the prosecution of making an immediate U-turn in the case. He claimed that it was clear on the part of the prosecution that they were adamant on ensuring a maximum sentence for David Hunter. Michael admitted that he had entered into a discourse in good faith with the prosecution's counsel. He also conceded to the fact that the penal system enforceable in Cyprus is very rigid and it would be really tough to serve justice.

Hunter sobbed as he described how his life had altered after losing his "best friend" in September in the district court.

He stated: "She was more than simply my wife; she was also my greatest friend. It's similar to a black hole. I used to think I couldn't fathom my life without Janice, but it's simply so much more difficult. I just go through the motions. I have to keep my head held high."

FAQs:

1. When did David Hunter undertake the killing?
   It was carried out in December 2021.
2. What is Leukaemia?
   Leukaemia is a form of incurable blood cancer.