Canadian Man Accused of Selling Lethal Chemical Tied to 73 British Deaths Will Not Face Charges in United Kingdom

Families in the United Kingdom expressed anger after prosecutors decided not to charge a Canadian man alleged to have sold a lethal chemical linked to the deaths of 73 British people. The father of one victim told the BBC that Kenneth Law had caused "devastation" and called for Law to face charges in the UK. Law, a former chef, is expected to admit 14 counts of assisting suicides in Canada when he appears in a court in Ontario, Canada, later on Friday.

CPS Decision and Legal Rationale

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that the Canadian legal system will take the losses of UK families into account. A letter from the CPS, reviewed by the BBC, explained that Law would not face charges in the United Kingdom due to legal complexities. The CPS letter indicated that Law is expected to accept sending 330 packages to the UK. British detectives initially investigated whether 88 deaths were linked to Law's chemical packages, but the CPS determined that 73 deaths could be connected to him.

Victim's Family Reaction

David Parfett's 22-year-old son, Thomas, used the substance alleged to have been sold to him by Law. "Tom was somebody who really saw the joy in life. He would find humour in the weirdest places. I often think about his laugh," Parfett said. "Tom was a massive football fan and he was a good footballer as well. I miss the opportunity to enjoy the 2026 World Cup with him." Parfett added: "I had wanted Law to face charges in the UK... he really needed to face justice over here."

Call for Public Inquiry and Government Response

Parfett is urging the UK government to hold a public inquiry into the deaths. "I think that a public inquiry is needed because we need action across multiple government departments and unfortunately, we are not seeing that coordination and that understanding of how to address the problem today," he said. "Fundamentally, the government is failing in its duty to protect life." The BBC has approached the Home Office for comment.

Criminal Charges and International Investigation

Law was charged with 14 counts of assisting suicides in Canada and 14 counts of second-degree murder following his arrest in 2023. His capture resulted from a complex investigation involving at least 11 law-enforcement agencies and investigators from around a dozen countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States. Prosecutors in Canada allege that Law marketed and sold lethal quantities of a substance online, which he sent to approximately 1,200 people around the world. Law, a former chef, is expected to appear in court in Ontario, Canada, later on Friday.

Context

An inquest was adjourned for a man who died after buying poison online in a case linked to similar allegations. In a separate development, a Canadian man described as a "poison killer" was ordered to head straight to trial in Canada.