Lower Hutt teacher Susan Dale Austen has been charged with helping someone take their own life. <\/p>\n
In October the 65-year-oldwas charged with two counts of importing pentobarbitone - a Class C drug commonly used for euthanasia - between 2012 and 2016. <\/p>\n
The more serious charge of aiding a person to commit suicide was added when Austen appeared briefly in the Wellington District Court this morning. <\/p>\n
Police allege the incident happened between December 2015 and mid-2016 in Wellington. The maximum jail sentence for that charge is 14 years. <\/p>\n
Austen's lawyer, Donald Steven, told the court his client intends to enter a plea on all three charges when she next appears in court on the morning of May 12. <\/p>\n
He made no comment outside court. <\/p>\n
Austen's supporters rallied outside court with placards before packing out the public gallery during her appearance. <\/p>\n
She was remanded on bail until her May 12 court appearance. <\/p>\n
Austen is thecoordinator of pro-euthanasia group Exit Wellington. <\/p>\n
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, call: Lifeline on 0800 543 354 Suicide Prevention Helpline on 0508 828 865 Youthline on 0800 376 633, text 234 between 8am and midnight or emailtalk@youthline.co.nz<\/a> 0800 WHATSUP (9428787) children's helpline between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and 3pm to 10pm on weekends; online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm each day on the whatsup website. Kidsline 24\/7 on 0800 543 754 for children aged five to 18. A Kidsline buddy will be available between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Continued here:<\/p>\n Teacher faces new euthanasia drug charge - Newshub<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Lower Hutt teacher Susan Dale Austen has been charged with helping someone take their own life. Continue reading