Miles Cross, 33, displayed a defiant attitude towards the police, denying any knowledge of the harmful substances he sold online. He was handed a 14-year prison sentence for his role in providing substances that led to two suicides. Operating on an internet suicide forum, Cross exploited the vulnerable and mentally ill by offering a direct ordering system through a QR code linked to his bank account.
Despite officers’ efforts to elicit information from him to prevent further tragedies, Cross repeatedly refused to cooperate. He denied selling any substances or keeping a record of his customers. However, a subsequent search of his residence in Wrexham, North Wales, uncovered quantities of the chemical and related materials. Eventually, Cross pleaded guilty to four charges of encouraging or assisting suicide under the Suicide Act 1961.
One of the victims, Shubhreet Singh, 26, tragically lost his life in West Yorkshire, while the identities of the other victims remain protected by a court order. Following the sentencing, various officials condemned Cross’s actions, highlighting his exploitation of vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
Detective Superintendent Chris Bell of North Wales Police described Cross as a manipulative individual who capitalized on the vulnerable in their most desperate moments. Alison Storey, a Specialist Prosecutor, emphasized Cross’s deliberate targeting of distressed individuals with lethal substances, emphasizing the dangers posed by such exploitative behavior online.
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans emphasized the severity of Cross’s actions, noting the devastating impact on the victims’ families and friends. The investigation into Cross stemmed from a referral by Thames Valley Police, linking him to the supply of a lethal substance used in a suicide investigation. Through meticulous financial and online inquiries, authorities uncovered Cross’s distribution of the substance to at least four individuals, charging them £100 each through online interactions.
Cross directed his victims to a forum in the United States, where he further encouraged their suicidal tendencies. Collaborating with law enforcement agencies, efforts were made to restrict access to the specific forum used by Cross, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
