Locked-in man to appeal over ruling
5:40pm Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013
Lawyers representing a second locked-in syndrome sufferer have announced that they are to appeal a High Court decision
Lawyers representing a second locked-in syndrome sufferer - who lost his High Court action on the same day as Tony Nicklinson - have announced that they are to appeal.
They said the court's ruling last week denied the 47-year-old man "the opportunity to take the necessary steps to end his own life".
The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons but is referred to as "Martin", suffered a massive stroke in August 2008.
He is unable to speak and virtually unable to move, describing his life as "undignified, distressing and intolerable" - and wants to be allowed a "dignified suicide".
Richard Stein, head of human rights at law firm Leigh Day & Co, said: "Martin is very clear that he wants to end his own life as he chooses.
"As an able-bodied person, I have the ability to choose how I live and how I die.
"Martin's right to choose the manner of his death is denied to him by his disability and the courts.
"We will continue to fight for a 'compassionate defence' for anyone who will help him take the necessary steps to end his tortuous existence.".
Martin said in the statement: "I am relieved for Tony and offer my condolences to his family for the man they'll miss.
"I hope that I too can be set free from this existence but I would like it to be in the manner of my choosing."
