Canadian man admits sending ‘suicide packets’ to hundreds of people around world

A Canadian man who mailed “suicide packets” of poison to more than 100 people in dozens of countries – including Canada , the UK, the US, Italy, Australia and New Zealand – has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of assisting suicide. Kenneth Law appeared in a packed courtroom in Newmarket, Ontario, on Friday to enter the plea after prosecutors agreed to withdraw 14 murder charges. Sentencing is expected to take place in September. Law, 60, pleaded guilty to multiples charges of “counselling or aiding suicide”. Wearing a dark blazer, white shirt and khaki pants, Law told Justice Michelle Fuerst he understood the scope of his crimes and was voluntarily entering a plea. Family members were visibly emotional as the court read out each of the charges and Law confirmed his role in the deaths of 14 people across the province of Ontario who were between the ages of 16 and 36. He also admitted sending the lethal substances that caused the death of 79 people in the UK. The closely watched case has highlighted the challenges of policing online forums that promote suicide and sell fatal substances. The plea comes as bereaved families in the UK, where Law is linked to scores of deaths, renewed their called for public inquiry . The court was told that Law sent suicide kits to people in 40 countries and territories, but the vast majority were sent to people in the UK and the US. Police officers outside the court on Friday before Law’s appearance. …