Fiance talks about euthanasia campaigner's arrest

11.45am

Euthanasia campaigner Lesley Martin's fiance today said she had received a "heap of support" from around New Zealand and was always aware she might be arrested.

Martin was arrested and charged last week with the attempted murder of her cancer-ridden mother Joy Martin.

In her book, To Die Like a Dog, Martin claimed she tried to help her mother to die in 1998. She has been open in her pro-euthanasia views.

Martin was bailed by Judge Gregory Ross in Wanganui District Court last week on strict conditions which included not speaking to the media. She is due to appear in court again next month.

Fiance Warren Fulljames said today Martin was disappointed about being gagged by the court. Her rights to freedom of speech had been destroyed.

"It's a democratic right that people are able to talk and the freedom of speech has been taken away from her which she finds excessive," he told National Radio.

"There is a heap of support out there. It is just amazing the people that she's had contact with. It's encouraging as well."

Mr Fulljames said the couple still planned to get married next month.

"The reality of this happening is quite hard for me and obviously quite hard for her.

"She knew what the consequences may be. When you feel passionate and you've lived through what she has lived through I think she's prepared to take the consequences."

He had often discussed euthanasia with her.

"I support her in this cause. I read the book and I cried. I couldn't believe the impact the book had on me personally."

- NZPA