'Legalised murder': Family's fury as judges rule doctors can let organ failure grandad die
The wife of a seriously ill musician who has battled tirelessly to keep doctors treating him wept yesterday as senior judges backed a hospital’s bid to stop trying to save his life. May James’s husband David, 68, was admitted seven months ago with minor stomach problems but contracted an infection on a ward and suffered multiple organ failure. Earlier this month, a senior judge rejected a legal bid by doctors not to attempt potentially lifesaving treatment if he deteriorates further, saying it underestimated the value of his ‘continued existence’. But, only four days before Christmas, Appeal Court judges last night declared – in what they admitted was a ‘sad and harsh’ decision – that the hospital could refuse to treat him. A tireless fight for life: Seriously ill musician David James, 68, pictured in hospital Mrs James and daughter Julie, 48, spoke of their shock and disgust at the decision. Immediately after the hearing Miss James said: ‘He’ll be dead by Christmas.