Leeds Man Loses Right-To-Die Fight

25 June 2014, 16:43 | Updated: 25 June 2014, 18:19

A Leeds man, who was paralysed in a crash 24 years ago, has lost his right-to-die battle at the Supreme Court.

The judges ruled against Paul Lamb from Bramley by a seven-two majority following a hearing in London.

Mr Lamb and Jane Nicklinson, whose husband Tony died nearly two years ago, wanted the court to rule that disabled people should have the right to be helped to die with dignity.

Nine justices had been asked to decide whether a ban on assisted suicide was compatible with the right to respect for private and family life as part of the Human Rights act.

Mrs Nicklinson - who comes from Wiltshire, and whose husband Tony died in August 2012 after starting the legal fight said “I am disappointed that we lost. But it is a very positive step.

"Parliament will have to discuss this. I think Tony would be very pleased at how far we have come.”

Their solicitor, Saimo Chahal, went on: “Jane and Paul can be very proud of the fact that they have made legal history in establishing what the courts should do when fundamental human rights are engaged, no matter how sensitive and difficult the moral and legal arguments are.''

The Supreme Court has now ruled after a hearing in December.