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Prosecutors decline charges in UK for Canadian linked to 73 deaths
Families of 73 British victims express outrage after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ruled out prosecuting Kenneth Law, a former chef accused of selling lethal chemicals online. Law is set to admit assisting 14 suicides in Canada today.
Families react with anger and grief
David Parfett, whose 22-year-old son Thomas died in 2021 after using a substance allegedly purchased from Law, described the decision as a failure of justice. Thomas, a football enthusiast known for his humor, was found in a Surrey hotel after paying £50 for the chemical.
"Tom saw joy in life. I miss watching the 2026 World Cup with him. Law caused devastation-he should face charges here."
David Parfett, father of Thomas Parfett
Parfett is now urging the UK government to launch a public inquiry, criticizing a lack of coordination among agencies to address the issue.
Legal complexities cited for CPS decision
The CPS acknowledged the deaths in a letter to families but stated that prosecuting Law in the UK was legally unfeasible. Canadian authorities will consider the impact on UK families as part of their proceedings.
Law, arrested in May 2023, faces 14 counts of assisting suicide and 14 counts of second-degree murder in Ontario. His arrest followed a global investigation involving 11 law enforcement agencies across 12 countries, including the UK, US, and Italy.
Global reach of alleged sales
Investigators believe Law distributed 1,200 packages of lethal substances to 41 countries, including over 100 to the UK. British police initially examined 88 deaths but later linked 73 to Law's shipments. He is expected to admit sending 330 packages to the UK.
The substance, typically used in food preservation, becomes fatal in large doses. Authorities have not disclosed its name.
Plea deal and legal consequences
Law's lawyer confirmed he will plead guilty to aiding suicide under a deal that drops first-degree murder charges. In Canada, assisting suicide carries a maximum 14-year sentence, while first-degree murder mandates life imprisonment without parole for 25 years.
A Times investigation in 2023 revealed Law counseled a journalist posing as a customer on how to use his products to "best ensure death." He operated multiple websites selling equipment and substances for suicide.
Calls for government action
Parfett and other families argue the UK government has failed to protect lives, demanding a coordinated response. The Home Office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
For support related to this article, resources are available at BBC Action Line.
