Supreme Court hears appeal over Maids Moreton murder
Summary
The UK Supreme Court is reviewing whether Benjamin Field, who was convicted of murdering Peter Farquhar by secretly drugging him, can legally be held responsible for Farquhar’s death if Farquhar knowingly consumed the drugs. Field was jailed in 2019, but his conviction was quashed in April, and the court is now deciding if Field caused the death under the law.Key Facts
- Benjamin Field was convicted in 2019 for the 2014 murder of Peter Farquhar in Buckinghamshire.
- Field was accused of secretly giving Farquhar sedatives and spiked whisky to make his death look accidental or a suicide.
- The conviction was overturned in April 2024, and a retrial was ordered.
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) appealed to the Supreme Court to clarify if Field could legally be responsible if Farquhar consented knowingly.
- Field had also been convicted of burglary and fraud related to his relationships with Farquhar and a neighbor to change their wills.
- The trial evidence included claims that Field drugged Farquhar with Dalmane, a sedative, and other drugs without his knowledge.
- Field’s defense argues Farquhar freely chose to drink and that Field’s giving of the drugs did not legally cause the death.
- A decision from the Supreme Court is expected after the hearing concludes.
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