A woman who purchased a lethal substance from Miles Cross revealed that had she not realized the danger in time, the substance could have resulted in her demise.
Cross, aged 33, received a 14-year prison sentence today for selling toxic substances online that led to two suicides. He established a business targeting vulnerable and mentally distressed individuals on an internet platform dedicated to suicide, where he shared a QR code for ordering chemicals directly from him and making payments via his bank account.
The woman, speaking anonymously, shared her experience, stating, “When I decided to buy this substance, I was feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, and silently struggling. This ordeal caused me significant emotional distress.”
She continued, “Although I am now in a better emotional state, I had to put in a lot of effort to heal and move towards a healthier path. The ease of access to this substance makes me realize that if I hadn’t realized the danger, my situation could have been different. It appears that individuals like him prey on vulnerable people like me.”
She emphasized, “Even though he may not know the full impact of his actions on me, the substance he promoted, sold, and sent me had the potential to end my life and profoundly affect my family. I hope my story can help others and ensure the safety of those facing similar situations.”
Gareth Evans, Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales, highlighted the case of a victim who bought the substance but did not attempt suicide, feeling targeted by Cross.
Evans stated, “This highlights the severity of his crimes, but also carries a message of hope, as the victim did not use the substance provided by Cross and has since survived. We strongly urge anyone exposed to such situations to seek support from organizations like Samaritans, rather than engaging with online forums where predators like Cross operate.”
Cross, aged 33, exploited vulnerable individuals suffering from mental health issues by setting up a business on an internet suicide platform. He offered chemical kits for sale at £100 each under a pseudonym, resulting in two deaths.
During a police search at Cross’s residence in January 2025, law enforcement officers found quantities of the chemical and related equipment. Investigations linked him to the suicide forum, social media accounts, and the bank account from his seized devices.
The court learned that Cross joined the site in July 2024, with the offenses occurring on various dates in August of the same year.
Despite initially denying the sale of the kits to detectives and claiming no knowledge of potential risks, Cross eventually pleaded guilty in November of the previous year to four counts of encouraging or assisting suicide. One victim identified was Shubhreet Singh, 26, who passed away in West Yorkshire, while the names of the other victims remain protected by court order.
Following Cross’s sentencing, Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, which focuses on suicide prevention in young individuals, criticized the system for allowing Cross to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Det Supt Chris Bell of North Wales Police described Cross as a predator who took advantage of vulnerable individuals for personal gain. Alison Storey, Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime Division, condemned Cross for preying on distressed individuals and providing substances intended to cause harm.
In conclusion, Cross’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals exploiting vulnerable individuals online, with the police labeling him a “predator” targeting individuals during their most vulnerable moments. Readers are encouraged to seek emotional support from Samaritans in times of need.