A computer analyst who posted a message on the internet offering to help suicide attempts was cleared yesterday of breaking the law after a judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence.

Gary Howes, 44, was charged after a reporter on the Lancashire Evening Post went undercover posing as a depressed schoolgirl and a bullied schoolboy in response to the message.

Judge Edward Slinger ordered the jury at Preston Crown Court formally to acquit Mr Howes of three charges of attempting to help a person commit or attempt suicide but said that the story “filled the court with the greatest unease”.

Mr Howes, from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, posted a message on the internet in which he invited anyone who needed assistance in committing suicide to contact him and said: “I will be only too happy to help.”

Nicholas Kennedy, for the prosecution, said that a mature woman student, who had suicidal thoughts at times and suffered from depression, saw the message.

Using an alias she contacted the message sender who, the court was told, offered help and outlined his method, which involved drugs and asphyxiation. The message, from Mr Howes, went on to say he could be present for the suicide, the court was told.

Mr Kennedy said the woman contacted Stefanie Hall at the newspaper who had been investigating easily accessible advice to vulnerable people on possible suicide methods.

Using fictitious characters, one a depressed 16-year-old girl, and the other a bullied 14-year-old boy, Mrs Hall made contact with the defendant who went on, through a e-mails, to offer a method he described as “painless and quick” to commit suicide.

He said that there was no need for them to fear, assured them that it could be arranged quickly and asked for telephone numbers so that contact could be made.

Mr Howes also wanted assurances that the people he was in contact with were genuine and not from the police or press. Police traced him to a London flat where he was arrested. Officers seized two photographs depicting people with bags over their heads.

Mr Howes in a defence statement later claimed that he had been indulging in fantasy and had no intention of counselling anybody to commit or attempt suicide.

Judge Slinger ruled that the Crown had to prove that the defendant intended to assist in a suicide or attempt a suicide. It had also to prove that he attempted to do so by some act which was more than merely preparatory.

'Your troubles will be over soon'

"E-mails to “Daniel”

"Take heart, your troubles will be over very soon. You will never have to worry about letting anyone down again.”

“I can guarantee that it won’t hurt. It will be just like falling asleep and travelling to a far better place.”

“You will soon be free of all your pain ... Just bring your medication. I will do the rest.” E-mails to “Jennie”

“Things do look bleak for you don’t they? It could soon be over. I have a quick and painless method.”

“My Dear Daniel, there’s no need to be afraid, it will just be like drifting off into a long peaceful sleep.”

Explore Law

• Columnists

• Law Panel

• Law Reports

• Student Law

Times Recommends

• Linklaters trounces rivals as UK's biggest firm
• Clifford Chance profits plunge 37 per cent
• Casual drinkers hit by spread of 'dry' zones