DAUGHTER TOOK DAD, 93, ON DIGNITAS HOLIDAY
POLICE PROBE ASSISTED SUICIDE CASE
A PENSIONER committed suicide at a Swiss clinic – after his daughter allegedly told care home staff she was taking him on holiday.
John Lenton, who was 93 and had Parkinson’s disease, died three months ago at the Dignitas facility in Forch, Switzerland.
The pensioner had been living in a care home in Conwy, north Wales, and it is alleged his daughter Sandra Holmes asked staff there if she could take him on holiday.
A doctor is believed to have assessed John as being fit to travel and make his own decisions before he left on October 23.
Six days later, the home were informed he had gone to Dignitas and ended his life there.
The home were advised by Conwy Council’s safeguarding adults team to contact North Wales Police.
Police have confirmed they are investigating.
Sandra, 66, from Llanrwst, Conwy, said yesterday: “This is a private family matter of no public interest. I feel this is not the right moment to discuss this in the Press.
“However, I am more than willing to discuss the right to die at a later, more appropriate, time.”
The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales said the care home had “kept us informed” but referred all other enquiries to North Wales Police.
The Cartref Bryn yr Eglwys home declined to comment on the matter.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Harrison said: “We are aware of the death of a male from the Pentrefoelas area in Switzerland, and are looking into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“There have been no arrests made in connection with this matter and no further information will be released at this time.”
Under UK law, it is a crime to encourage or assist a suicide, and the offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
It is believed as many as 10 British citizens a month choose to die at the Dignitas clinic, set up in 1998.