Man escapes conviction over euthanasia incident

An Auckland man who admitted helping his sick wife die has escaped conviction.

Evans Mott admitted helping his wife, who was suffering from multiple sclerosis, to die.

The judge told him while it was a very serious crime, she had to take all the factors into account.

There was applause from the public gallery, where Mr Mott's friends and family had gathered, when the judgement was handed down.

End To Life Choice spokeswoman Rosie Kaplan says it's fantastic.

"I thought the judge did a wonderful job, and I'm just really, really pleased for the outcome for Evans. I'm just so pleased, and he was so pleased too."

Evans Mott earlier pleaded guilty to aiding the death of his wife Rosemary who suffered from multiple sclerosis.

"I think it's miraculous, and I think it's so good that New Zealand has got the vision to say what's right and wrong."

Justice Patricia Courtney told the 61-year-old she was satisfied it was entirely his wife's decision to end her life, that his assistance was limited, and that she would've done so even if he refused to help.

Photo: NZ Herald