Mercy killing wife Vicki Wood takes life at Swiss clinic

A woman who walked free from court 10 years ago after the attempted mercy killing of her husband has ended her own life in a Swiss clinic.

Celebrated toymaker Vicki Wood, admitted the attempted murder of Tim Wood in 1999, who had chronic dementia. Mr Wood died nine months after the failed attempt to end his life with a pillow at the couple’s home in Totnes, Devon. Mrs Wood, who was 67, is believed to have travelled to the Dignitas clinic on Friday, suffering from a debilitating condition affecting her ability to work.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman confirmed Mrs Wood had died in Switzerland on 5 March.

Mrs Wood’s case was a key part of the early debate on euthanasia in Britain. The couple were married for about 20 years and both were members of a euthanasia society.