MOLD, Wales — January 7, 2026 — A man who sold a deadly chemical online to individuals seeking to end their lives has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in what authorities believe is the first case of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Miles Cross, 33, was sentenced Wednesday at Mold Crown Court after pleading guilty to four counts of intentionally doing an act capable of encouraging or assisting suicide.
- Miles Cross sold a fatal chemical to four people via an online suicide forum.
- Two individuals died after using the chemical purchased from Cross.
- The sentencing is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in the UK.
Cross, 33, posted packages containing the unnamed chemical to four people he connected with on a suicide forum between August and September 2024, according to court documents. Two of those individuals subsequently died after using the substance, which Cross sold for £100, the court heard.
Investigation and Prosecution
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Judge Rowlands praised the “thorough investigation” conducted by North Wales Police, which collaborated with Ofcom to shut down UK access to the online forum Cross used to find victims. The investigation also involved consultation with experts from the National Crime Agency, the NHS, and the charity Samaritans, according to the court.
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans stated the police hope the sentencing will “alert vulnerable people to predators.” He added that Cross “sought to take advantage of people’s vulnerability” and that the investigation was “unique” and the first of its kind in the UK involving the targeting of vulnerable individuals through an online forum.
Cross’s Motives and Methods
The prosecution revealed that Cross initially joined the forum to research suicide methods for his own use, following “emotional deterioration” and struggles with gambling, alcohol, and sedative use. He reportedly told probation officers that the forum served as his “bible.”
In July 2024, Cross posted a message and image of the chemical, stating he “finally had everything,” and included a QR code for ordering and payment, the prosecution said.
Cross was arrested in January 2025 after a raid uncovered the substance at his residence. Analysis of his devices linked him to the forum, social media profiles, and a bank account used for transactions.
Victim and Impact
Due to reporting restrictions, only one victim, 29-year-old Shubreet Singh from Leeds, was named in the case. Police found a foil bag with Cross’s return address at her home, along with messages from Cross offering assistance in sourcing the chemical.
The poisonous substance has been linked to at least 133 deaths in the UK, according to the suicide prevention charity the Molly Rose Foundation.
One of Cross’s surviving victims expressed hope that the case would encourage others struggling with similar thoughts to seek professional help. “The fact this was so easy makes me think, had I not come to my senses, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” they said in a statement. “I hope my words can be used to support others and to ensure safety for those who might be in similar situations.”
Police Statement
Detective Superintendent Chris Bell of North Wales Police stated that the sentence reflects the severity of Cross’s actions, emphasizing that he “preyed on his victims online and exploited them in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental wellbeing.” He added that Cross “proactively encouraged them to end their lives and provided them with a means to do so, which tragically and needlessly resulted in two deaths.”
If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is out there. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
