Briton who killed terminally ill wife in Cyprus may be returned to prison

David Hunter’s freedom in Cyprus will be put on hold (Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire) An expat pensioner who killed his terminally ill wife in Cyprus could be forced back to prison after the island’s Attorney General yesterday appealed against his sentence and acquittal. David Hunter, 76, was cleared of the pre-meditated murder of Janice at their home near Paphos in 2021, but convicted of manslaughter and released from jail. The retired miner from Northumberland said his 74-year-old wife, who had blood cancer, begged him to kill her before he suffocated her to death. But now it is understood he may face a new charge of premeditated murder, after prosecutors launched an appeal just hours before their 10-day deadline expired. David was freed on 31 July (Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire) Justice Abroad, which represents Mr Hunter, said it would work with a ‘top team of lawyers’ to fight for him in the appeal court. The group’s Michael Polak said: ‘We are very disappointed with the Attorney General’s decision. ‘David spent 19 months in prison and faced legal proceedings that would be difficult for anyone, but especially for someone of his age. This is a very sad matter. It it is difficult to see how the continued pursuit of David assists anyone.’ Daughter Lesley Crawthorne added: ‘The family is devastated by the decision and would again urge compassion for my elderly and frail father. We continue to be very grateful for all the support we have had.’ David Hunter lays flowers at the grave of his wife Janice (Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire) He was found not guilty of pre-meditated murder last month, with ‘no evidence’ to suggest it was a planned killing – something he had denied. But he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison, which he had already completed, meaning he was freed. Following his release, David told how he suffocated Janice before attempting to take his own life.