In brief
A British woman, Elisabeth Belien, is one of the victims of Canadian poison seller Kenneth Law. At the Ontario Superior Court, she recounts how he sold toxic chemicals that enabled her to lose her life, exploiting her vulnerability at age 23. Law is charged with 14 counts of aiding suicide in Canada and linked to almost 80 deaths worldwide, particularly in the UK, yet prosecutors say he will not face UK charges under a plea deal. Impact statements from families of the victims were read aloud during the sentencing hearing. The case highlights the reach of online suicide forums and the need for stronger platform regulation.
UK survivor confronts Canadian poison seller in Ontario courtroom
Elisabeth Belien, a 23‑year‑old Briton, faced Kenneth Law in a four‑day sentencing hearing Monday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. She said he had exploited her despair, selling her toxic chemicals that she ultimately ingested.
Law, an ex‑chef, allegedly shipped roughly 1,200 packages of poisons to people he met in online suicide forums in 40 countries. The United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States contributed to the investigation that led to his May 2023 arrest.
He now faces 14 counts of aiding suicide in Canada. Authorities report almost 80 deaths worldwide linked to his sales, yet prosecutors have agreed that he will not be charged in the UK as part of a plea deal.
During the hearing, families of victims read powerful impact statements: the father of Thomas, who died after buying poison from Law, lamented the loss and the lack of help; parents of 14‑year‑old Henry Tucker and other families echoed similar grief.
Belien added that, after receiving an antidote from medics, she still suffers intrusive thoughts and survivor’s guilt. “I feel guilty for surviving,” she said, “and I know I enabled him to keep supplying other vulnerable people.”
The sentencing hearing continues, with the court reading further statements from the victims’ loved ones. The case underscores the dangers of online forums that facilitate the sale of lethal substances and the urgent need for platform accountability.
