Suicide

[Sash]

The former wife of a British man who plunged from a balcony with their two young children wept with disbelief as he was cleared of murder.

Natasha Hogan said that the life of their son, Liam, had been lost "for nothing" after the trial of her husband John in Crete found he could not be held responsible for his actions.

Hogan suffered a "psychotic" breakdown caused by "severe arguments" with his wife when he jumped from a fourth-floor hotel balcony at a holiday resort in Lerapetra in 2006, killing his son Liam, six, and injuring two-year-daughter Mia, the court heard.

Hogan, 33, was sent to a psychiatric hospital to be held indefinitely but found not guilty of murder. A two-day hearing at Chania Court has torn apart both sides of the tormented family.

As the verdict was translated to Hogan, he said "I’m innocent?" and smiled momentarily with relief, before bursting into tears. His former wife crumpled at the back of court and was surrounded by her family.

She hung her head and wept as police led Hogan past in handcuffs.

Asked outside whether he was happy with the verdict, Hogan said: "How can I be pleased when my son is dead?"
Mrs Hogan was still crying as a statement was read out on her behalf on the steps of the court. "This result was somewhat unexpected and has left me feeling that Liam lost his young life for nothing," she said.
"I accept that an act in a moment of complete madness was uncharacteristic of John but to have done this to our children is unforgivable.
"I know that we all miss Liam but it is Mia and I that are left to rebuild our lives without a loving, caring son and brother."

A "mixed" jury of three judges and four members of the public took 40 minutes to reach a verdict. Paraskevi Kiraleou, the presiding judge, told the court:

"The responsibility was diminished. We all agree that he was incapable of understanding and is innocent. They order him to be held in a psychiatric unit as they fear for his safety."

A further court hearing can clear him to return to Britain - perhaps within a year. Hogan said in court that he hoped that with more psychiatric help he would one day be free again to be a "loving, good dad" to Mia.

It is understood that Mrs Hogan, who has remarried since the incident and lives with her new husband, Richard Visser, in Newport, South Wales, is planning to emigrate to Australia.

She said: "John is no longer my husband and plans are afoot to rebuild our lives."

Earlier in the day, in an extraordinary 70-minute testimony, Hogan said he felt no guilt "whatsoever". He gave evidence despite being heavily medicated and after undergoing 18 months of psychiatric treatment

"I feel no guilt because I didn’t do it," he said. "I feel no guilt whatsoever.

"This person sat before you isn’t the person who jumped from the balcony on the fourth floor. I already have my son’s forgiveness, and I have God’s forgiveness."

As he spoke Mrs Hogan broke down. Addressing her as his ex-wife – never as Natasha - he said: "You know that a sane John Hogan would not have done what he did so please do not judge me on one action. If I could do anything to bring my son back I would." Mrs Hogan shook her head.

"My wife has every right to hate me," he said. "I took her boy away from her".

"Whatever you do to me in this court, which I will accept, no one can do any worse to me than myself," Hogan continued.
"I have lost my daughter and I have lost a son - until God decides to take my life."
Hogan admitted that he had tried to commit suicide several times since the incident.
"My son is in heaven," he said weeping. "I want to be there, to put an arm around him, to say sorry."

My heart went out to this guy, I can see that there was clearly something else behind his attempted suicide and trying to take the lives of his children with him. I don't agree he should have tried to kill his children, if he wanted to die then so be it, but his children have the right to make up their own mind. I do feel sorry for him and I think his punishment is right, but he should be in the mental unit for a very long time.

Would you ever consider suicide if things got so bad with say, money, love life, work, home life and family? Or is it just not something you would consider. I think it must be a very hard thing to do.

[Paparika]

A friend of mine is a close family friend, they are all devastated by what happened. I haven't really spoken to my mate about this tragic event as i felt that it wasn't something you do discuss, but when it happened it really shocked the community, it was out of character and unexpected, although the suicide of his brother must of played a heavy part in the way he was feeling at the time.


Would I choose suicide? i have felt so low in the past that i tried, obviously it failed,
Now? no, i know i would hurt so many people, there is no shame to hold up your hands and say i need help. there is help out there, and I'd advise anyone that feels suicidal to tell someone, anyone, asking for help is the first step back up.

[Froogles]

It's something i've tried before,twice. Sometimes things get too much,and I can't handle it. It's rather selfish of me to try and kill my self with all my family around,but fuck it,at the time I couldn't care. When all else fails sometimes there's only one thing left.

My best friend died in August. The one that I spoke to everyday,about everything,the one that I loved,the one that I cared about more than anything in the world. Post mortem was inconclusive,they don't even know what killed her.

That tipped me over the edge. I didn't want to live. Sadly,suicide failed,and i've been depressed most of the time since. I don't live a happy life,I haven't done for years. I'm trying to keep my self alive until i'm older in the hope that life gets better.

[Yzerman]

never felt bad enough to even think about it but even if i did i know i wouldnt have the balls to do it

[Paparika]

Originally Posted by Froogles

It's something i've tried before,twice. Sometimes things get too much,and I can't handle it. It's rather selfish of me to try and kill my self with all my family around,but fuck it,at the time I couldn't care. When all else fails sometimes there's only one thing left.

My best friend died in August. The one that I spoke to everyday,about everything,the one that I loved,the one that I cared about more than anything in the world. Post mortem was inconclusive,they don't even know what killed her.

That tipped me over the edge. I didn't want to live. Sadly,suicide failed,and i've been depressed most of the time since. I don't live a happy life,I haven't done for years. I'm trying to keep my self alive until i'm older in the hope that life gets better.

Froogles, I'm not an expert but that sounds like you need counseling, you've suffered a great loss and you need help to deal with that, would you go to the doctor? You don't have to accept antidepressants but your GP should be able to offer you counseling.

CaringInfo.org - Grieving a Loss maybe this can give you some answers!

[Moonbeam]

Suicide mixed views on this as I can say on one hand they are selfish cowards but there again anyone who attempts it must have guts to even try. I don't know if anyone can follow what I mean struggle putting it into words. As for myself I've been to hell and back on numerous occasions, yes I've said I'd be better off out of it but would never even try to end my life am I the coward ? more than likely but in this case I'm proud to admit it. There is always someone worse off than you even though in your darkest hour you fail to realise this.
When my time comes it comes on it's own accord and with no help from me

[Mankind]

I think suicide is fine, who is anyone right-minded to say it's selfish when they have never felt sufficiently suicidal.

However, trying and failing is pretty gay, like taking 5 paracetamol or cutting some superficial veins. At least cut an artery or inject some insulin and do it properly.

[meow]

They should have suicide booths like on futerama

[emma roids]

i cant believe he escaped prison for killing his kid.

mental my arse, the ***** wants locking up, like any other murderer.

[Sash]

Attempted suicide in my mind is a cry for help. Some people can ask for help others cannot, and people try to end their lives in desperation because they can't get help, or they feel they can't go on anymore. Some people are better at dealing with emotional issues than others, and whilst others may shout and cry, some others may become depressed and withdrawn. I wouldn't say it is gay or stupid for one to have tried and failed. I would hope that that failure ended in them getting the help they obviously needed. I'm sure in this day that many people wake up wishing they didn't have to wake up, but most of us are better at dealing with what life throws at us.

I agree that the chap shouldn't have attempted suicide and taken his children with him, but now he has to live with that guilt, but I think he will possibly attempt suicide again and perhaps not fail.

[RocKtheCasbaH]

Originally Posted by emma roids

i cant believe he escaped prison for killing his kid.

mental my arse, the ***** wants locking up, like any other murderer.

I'm afraid this is my take on it too. If someone throws 2 little kids off a balcony then they want necking. end of. But I guess that's why I'll never make it to the judge's seat.

I'm not really interested in all the mental illness bollocks and I've got very little time for the 'pc' crowd that thinks it compensates for this kind of action in any way.