Unbroken Trust: The Forbidden Goodbye of a Husband's Suicide

In 2005, Jill Anderson went on trial at Leeds Crown Court for the manslaughter of her husband of eight years. Paul, a 43-year-old linguist, had been suffering for several years from the debilitating effects of ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with complications, and had previously attempted suicide. But one day, while Jill was out of the house, he took enough pills to ensure his own death. When she returned home Paul told Jill he had 'taken enough this time' and begged her not to get assistance. She honoured her beloved partner's wishes and, although consumed by grief, allowed him to slip slowly away. Then the full weight of the law came down upon her. She was interrogated by Harrogate Police, had her passport taken away, and faced up to 15 years in jail. Her story was followed by the nation's media and, although too unwell to take the stand at her trial, she was acquitted by a unanimous not guilty verdict.