In a landmark decision , Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said there was `` sufficient evidence '' to prosecute the couple , but that it would not be in the public 's interest to do so . Final moments in the life of 59-year - old actor Peter Ewert shown on TV . Peter , a motor neurone disease sufferer , went to an assisted suicide clinic . Assisted suicide is illegal in Britain and carries 14-year prison terms . No - one in the UK has been convicted under the 1961 Suicide Act .
Final moments in the life of 59-year - old actor Peter Ewert shown on TV . Peter , a motor neurone disease sufferer , went to an assisted suicide clinic . Assisted suicide is illegal in Britain and carries 14-year prison terms . No - one in the UK has been convicted under the 1961 Suicide Act .