R v Evans (Gemma) [2009]

Facts:

  • Evans purchased heroin and gave it to her half-sister who self-ingested the drug. 
  • She then started to experience overdose symptoms but Evans did not call for medical assistance. During the night they regularly checked on her but found her dead in the morning from heroin poisoning.

Held:
  • If an individual caused or contributed to creating a life-threatening situation, a consequent duty would normally arise to take reasonable steps to save the person’s life.

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