Kenneth Law, a 60-year-old former chef, has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide in an Ontario court as part of a deal that saw more serious murder charges dropped. The guilty pleas, entered on Friday, relate to victims in Canada; prosecutors withdrew the murder charges under the agreement.
Authorities say Law sold toxic chemicals and related equipment online and posted about 1,200 packages to recipients in 41 countries. More than 100 of those shipments are believed to have been sent to the UK. British families and campaigners have said the substance Law supplied is linked to a large number of deaths in the UK; the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has told families it believes 73 UK deaths could be linked to his packages.
A CPS letter seen by the BBC said prosecutors would not bring charges in the UK because of legal complexities, and that the Canadian legal process would take the losses suffered by UK families into account. The decision has caused anger among relatives who wanted Law tried in the UK.
One of those affected is David Parfett, whose 22-year-old son Thomas died in 2021. Parfett said his son “really saw the joy in life” and remembered his laugh and love of football. Thomas is reported to have paid about £50 for the substance; his body was found in a hotel in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey.
Parfett has called for a full public inquiry in the UK, arguing multiple government departments need to coordinate a response to the issue and that current action is insufficient. “Fundamentally, the government is failing in its duty to protect life,” he said.
Law was first arrested in May 2023 after a complex, multi-national investigation involving at least 11 law-enforcement agencies and investigators from roughly a dozen countries, including the UK, Italy and the US. He had originally faced 14 counts of aiding suicide and 14 counts of murder following his arrest.
The arrest followed a Times newspaper investigation in which a journalist posed as a customer. According to that report, Law advised the undercover journalist on how to use the products to “best ensure death.” Canadian detectives have said Law ran multiple websites offering items and substances intended to help people end their lives.
Since his arrest Law has been held in Newmarket, Ontario. His lawyer, Matthew Gourlay, confirmed to the BBC that his client would plead guilty to aiding suicide under the arrangement with crown prosecutors. Under Canada’s Criminal Code, a conviction for aiding suicide can carry a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
British detectives initially examined whether as many as 88 deaths might be linked to the chemical packages; the CPS has since said it assesses 73 deaths could be connected to Law. Families in the UK say that number matches their concerns and have expressed frustration that prosecutions will not proceed domestically.
The case has prompted renewed calls from bereaved relatives for clearer international cooperation and tougher measures to stop the online sale and distribution of lethal substances. Campaigners say stronger regulation and coordinated law-enforcement responses are needed to prevent further tragedies.
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues raised in this story, organisations offering support and information include local mental health services and crisis lines. The BBC Action Line also provides signposting to help services and resources.
