Sentencing hearing underway for poison seller Kenneth Law, linked to 147 deaths worldwide

The sentencing hearing for Kenneth Law, a former Toronto hotel cook who ran websites selling suicide paraphernalia to vulnerable people, began Wednesday in a Newmarket courtroom. Law pleaded guilty in May to 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide in Ontario, though a CBC News investigation linked him to at least 147 deaths worldwide.

From 2021 to 2023, Law sold toxic salt and other potentially dangerous products through websites he operated, often targeting at-risk users, including teenagers. He used the pseudonym "Greenberg" on pro-suicide forums, responding to posts and directing people toward his products. He knew buyers intended to use the items to end their lives.

The hearing is expected to last several days, with court dates scheduled until at least September 28 if necessary. More than 50 victim impact statements from Canadian and British families are expected to be read. Superior Court Justice Michelle Fuerst is presiding.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, counselling or aiding suicide carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years per count. Crown prosecutors say Law was aware products he sold were being used by people to bring about their deaths. Britain's National Crime Agency characterized Law as someone "who believed he was untouchable in his criminal business which exploited vulnerable people around the world at a time when they needed support the most." Prosecutors in the U.K. decided not to charge Law or apply for his extradition.