1.Mr Traynor was deemed competent and had a ‘voluntary, clear, settled and informed’ wish to make such a decision.
2.There is no evidence of mental illness, or of coercion on any part.
3.Mr Traynor had indicated unequivocally that he wished to commit suicide.
4.Mr Traynor’s disability was severe and incurable.
5.The actions of those accompanying Mr Traynor were of only minor assistance or influence.
6.The actions of those accompanying Mr Traynor may be characterized as reluctant assistance in the face of a determined wish on the part of the victim.
7.All parties involved have offered every assistance to the police investigating this case.
Given these facts as outlined, the previous good character of all parties, and the evidence enclosed, I would advise that it does not serve the public interest to pursue a prosecution in this case.
I suggest that if and when any public statement is made to this effect, the Director of Public Prosecutions makes it clear that the Traynor case sets no kind of precedent, and that the CPS will continue to judge each case on its individual merits and circumstances.
With best wishes
Sheilagh Mackinnon
Crown Prosecution Service