An Australian who encouraged his wife's suicide was jailed in a landmark case

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An Australian was sentenced to 10 years in prison for encouraging his wife's suicide, a case that would set a precedent in the world.

Graham Morant, 68, was sentenced last month to counsel and help his wife, Jennifer Morant, commit suicide in 2014.

A judge ruled that he was motivated by the desire to access Ms. Morant's life insurance benefits.

As the sole beneficiary, Morant had received A $ 1.4 million (£ 770,000, $ 1 million).

"You advised your wife to kill herself because you wanted to get your hands on 1.4 million Australian dollars," Justice Peter Davis told the Supreme Court of Queensland on Friday.

Ms. Morant had suffered from chronic pain, depression, and anxiety, but was not terminally ill.

Judge Davis stated that it was apparently the first time in the world that a person was convicted for counseling a person to commit suicide.

& # 39; Has taken advantage of its vulnerability & # 39;

Morant had pleaded not guilty, but a jury felt that Mrs. Morant would not have put an end to her life without her advice.

The 56-year-old woman was found dead next to a gasoline generator in her car on November 30, 2014. In a nearby note, one could read, "Do not resurrect me, please." . "

Her husband had already driven her to a hardware store to buy the generator, the jury was told.

Morant, a convinced Christian, had told his wife that he was considering using the insurance money to build a religious commune, according to prosecutors.

On Friday, Judge Davis stated that Morant had shown no remorse for his offenses.

"You took advantage of her vulnerability as a sick and depressed woman," he said.

Morant was sentenced to a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment for advising to advise suicide and six years' imprisonment for a suicide charge. The sentences will be served simultaneously.

He will be eligible for parole in October 2023.