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Miles Cross, a 33-year-old man from Wrexham, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after admitting to selling chemicals online that were used to assist individuals in ending their lives. This case, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, followed an investigation triggered when Thames Valley Police uncovered Cross’s involvement during financial inquiries connected to a separate suicide case. Cross pleaded guilty to four counts of intentionally encouraging or assisting suicide by sending a lethal substance to four people he connected with on an internet forum between August and September 2024.
One of the recipients was Shubreet Singh, a 29-year-old from Leeds, who bought the chemical for £100 and subsequently died. North Wales Police conducted a raid on Cross’s residence in January 2025, discovering not only the chemicals but also packaging materials and paraphernalia associated with the illegal activity. During sentencing, Judge Rhys Rowlands highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a rare and extremely serious case involving you sending [a substance] out to individuals who were distressed and in contact with you in a suicide forum,” noting that two people lost their lives as a direct consequence of Cross’s actions.
The prosecution outlined that Cross had advertised the substances on a suicide discussion forum, where potential members were required to explain their reasons for joining. The court was informed that both encouraging suicide and selling such drugs are illegal. It was revealed that Cross sold the chemicals for £100 each, making a financial gain from these transactions. Although Cross said he initially joined the forum to investigate methods for his own use amid emotional struggles including gambling and substance abuse, the prosecution countered this, explaining that he had already acquired the chemicals and set up his operation prior to joining. Evidence showed he posted messages declaring he had “finally had everything” and that the process was “on my terms now,” describing it as the only relief he had experienced in a long time.
Further details emerged showing Cross had created an account on the website by early August 2024, directing victims to pay him for the chemicals. Police recovered 100 zip foil bags from his home, with four missing—matching the number of packages sent out, all bearing Cross’s return address. A foil bag linked to Singh was found at the scene of her death, and messages on her phone confirmed communication and payment between her and Cross. Since his arrest, one individual who purchased the substance from Cross anonymously shared their experience, warning others to seek professional support rather than turn to online forums. They described feeling “vulnerable, overwhelmed and struggled silently” at the time, noting the profound emotional pain caused, but expressed gratitude for surviving and moving toward healthier coping strategies.
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans emphasized the unique nature of the investigation, stating that this was likely the first UK prosecution involving an online forum used to target vulnerable individuals. North Wales Police collaborated with Ofcom to shut down the forum utilized by Cross, and involved specialists from the National Crime Agency, the NHS, the Samaritans, and Ofcom to reduce access to harmful online spaces. The sentencing is seen as a warning aimed at protecting vulnerable people from predators exploiting online platforms
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