Jailed for refusing to die

Former poledancer jailed for four years for her part in suicide pact with man when she changed her mind

Natasha Gordon had formed a suicide pact with a postman hours after they met online, then backed out leaving him to die alone.

She was said to have stated in a text message to him:
'I really can't wait to go tomorrow - hope you don't change your mind.'

Mr Birkinshaw travelled 90 miles from his house in Walsall to Gordon's home in Peterborough.  The pair planned to kill themselves at Rutland Water.

Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told Gordon she had 'deceived' Mr Birkinshaw and was 'gripped by self-centredness'.

The judge said further: 'I have concluded you did not have a settled intention to commit suicide. Your intention was at best equivocal.

'This was a serious case because Matthew Birkinshaw actually took his own life after your encouragement.'

Gordon's week-long trial also heard she had been active on a number of online suicide chatrooms for over a year.