UK Survivor Confronts Canadian Poison Seller in Court

A British woman, identified as Elisabeth Belien, confronted Kenneth Law in an Ontario courtroom on Wednesday, detailing how the Canadian man sold her toxic chemicals when she was 23 years old and vulnerable. Belien testified at the four-day sentencing hearing for Law, who has admitted to 14 counts of aiding suicides in Canada.

Belien, who had not previously been publicly identified as one of Law's customers, stated that she had been at her lowest point mentally when she purchased the substances. While she recovered physically after receiving an antidote, she shared that she suffers from "survivor's guilt" after learning that others who purchased from Law had died. She described Law's actions as exploiting her vulnerability.

"Kenneth Law made it a lot easier to act on that despair," Belien told the court. "I continue to struggle with intrusive thoughts and flashbacks of that day."

Law, a former chef, is accused of selling approximately 1,200 packages of toxic substances to individuals he met in online suicide forums in 40 countries. About a quarter of these packages were reportedly sent to the United Kingdom. He was arrested in May 2023, following an extensive international investigation involving law enforcement agencies from multiple countries.

Although Law has admitted to charges in Canada, a plea deal with Canadian authorities means he will not face charges in the UK related to the nearly 80 deaths there that have been linked to him. However, impact statements from the families of British victims are being presented during the sentencing hearing.

Victim impact statements shared during the proceedings included that of David Parfett, whose son Tom died in October 2021. Parfett described how his focus shifted from mourning to exposing the online platforms that facilitated Law's activities. He stated that he is still unable to fully process his son's death after five years and that he has become a different person.

The parents of 14-year-old Henry Tucker, who died in October 2021, also submitted a statement. They noted that Henry had been diagnosed with autism but had a neurological condition that could have been treated. They expressed the unbearable weight of realizing his suffering and death could have been prevented.

Norson Harris, the father of British victim Ashleigh Harris, spoke about the agony of losing his daughter. He conveyed that his family felt they should have been able to prevent Ashleigh's death, instead of Law selling her a chemical that she used to end her life. He expressed hope that Law would recognize that the response to those who reached out to him should have been one of love and available help.

Stephen Mitchell Sr., father of Canadian victim Stephen Mitchell Jr., who died on March 25, 2023, told Law in court that he believed his son, when well, would have gladly helped Law work through depressive thoughts, as he believed in the value of people. He stated that Law robbed his son of the chance to recover.

Sandra Scott, whose daughter Amara Scott died on February 9, 2022, at age 25, said her family was trying to help her through a mental health crisis when she made contact with Law. She described the heartbreak of finding her daughter and the manner of her death.

Belien concluded her statement by sharing that while she is learning to look forward to the future, the trauma of the experience remains. The sentencing hearing is ongoing.