'Crazy' suicide laws attacked as man fights for right to die

Laws preventing a paralysed man committing suicide with the help of doctors were attacked as "crazy" today.

A 46-year-old who can only communicate through his eyes and shaking his head wants his lawyers, doctors and carers to help him die.

He is asking the High Court to rule that they will not be prosecuted for assisting suicide if they do so. The groundbreaking challenge is set to come before the court next month to clarify the law on professional help that can legally be given to people who wish to end their life.

The man, known as Martin, suffered a brainstem stroke three years ago that has left him paralysed. His lawyer, Richard Stein, head of human rights at Leigh Day & Co, told the Standard: "He wanted to know what it would be like to stop eating and drinking.

"We tried to contact people. They said 'we can't [talk to you] as it's against BMA guidance'. As soon as somebody starts talking about committing suicide, they are saying you can't do it without the court giving the OK. The reason this is all crazy is that it's legal to commit suicide, but it's not legal to help somebody."