Kenneth Law is facing sentencing in Canada after admitting 14 counts of aiding suicides, while British families continue to seek justice over deaths linked to substances he sold online. Nearly 80 deaths in the UK have been connected to Law, including that of 25-year-old Imogen Nunn, known as Immy, who died at her Brighton flat in January 2023.
Law, a former chef, sold around 1,200 packages of toxic substances to people he encountered through online suicide forums. Authorities said the packages were sent to recipients in 40 countries, with about a quarter of them going to the UK.
Kenneth Law Case and UK Deaths
The Kenneth Law case has drawn criticism from British families because he will not face charges in the UK or prosecution specifically over British deaths. Law pleaded guilty in May to 14 Canadian charges as part of a deal with prosecutors, who withdrew more serious murder charges.
British authorities said 79 deaths in the UK had been linked to products supplied by Law. Families of those who died said they were angry that UK prosecutors had not charged him over those deaths.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it agreed to the Canadian plea deal on the understanding that the sentence imposed on Law would take the British deaths into account. A letter seen by the BBC said the CPS had concerns that Law could challenge any extradition attempt from Canada.
According to the letter, including the British victims in the Canadian sentencing process was considered the “quickest and most effective route” to justice.
The decision has left families with only a limited opportunity to participate directly in the Canadian legal process. Their victim impact statements are being read in an Ontario court this week and will be considered before Law is sentenced at a later date.
Louise Nunn Speaks About Imogen Nunn
Louise Nunn, the mother of Imogen Nunn, told the BBC that she remains angry that Kenneth Law will not face justice in Britain. “I think we’ve been let down as families. Our children have been let down,” she said.
Nunn said part of her victim impact statement had also been redacted by Canadian authorities. She described the final paragraph as particularly important because she believed it represented her family’s opportunity to directly address Law.
In the statement, Nunn wrote: “You have destroyed my whole world. If Immy was here now, I know exactly what she would say to me, but I’m not Immy and I will never forgive you.”
Imogen was profoundly deaf and had developed a presence on social media, where she shared a satirical view of her experiences. Her mother said social media had helped restore her daughter’s confidence and allowed her to build friendships.
“She found social media and I just remember how happy she was,” Nunn said. She explained that Imogen tried to transform difficult experiences into something more positive and that social media helped bring back her confidence.
UK Families Await Kenneth Law Sentencing
The victim impact statements from British families represent their opportunity to have their experiences formally considered during the Canadian sentencing process. Nunn said the redactions were particularly difficult because families had been given the chance to express what they wanted to say before parts of their statements were removed.
The CPS said the redactions were made following advice from Canadian legal representatives so the statements could be accepted by the Canadian courts. The organisation said it recognised the “profound impact” of Kenneth Law’s offending and was working to ensure victims and bereaved families could share their experiences during sentencing.
Law’s case will now move toward sentencing in Canada, with the British deaths included in the material being considered by the court.