There's two threads on this now...
Following a hearty but slightly disappointing response from the cops, I contacted the CPS (who have to decide on the balance of evidence whether a prosecution can be brought):
To the head of the D&C CPS:
Sir,
I am writing to you in your capacity as Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Devon and Cornwall area.
In have recently been in contact with the Devon and Cornwall constabulary (ref OIS1054 10/1/07) regarding what I feel to have been a breach of the provisions of the 1939 Cancer Act, amongst others, and whilst I was most impressed with the speed and courtesy with which the police dealt with my concerns, I remain unconvinced by their specific assertion that there is probably no substantial case that can be brought.
My specific concerns arose from a documentary screened on BBC2 on the 8th January, 2006, entitled "Trust Me... I'm a Healer!". The programme focussed on the services offered by a Devon man, a Mr Peter Aziz from Furlong Close in Buckfast, who preyed on desperate cancer victims including an elderly lady who died only shortly after receiving his "treatments". Aziz offers treatments for cancer which, if his website (
http://www.azizshamanism.com/) and the documentary are to be taken at face value, include communing with gnomes, spirits and faeries and the application of mystical crystals (!), all of which he charges handsome sums to supply.
Pursuant to the Cancer Act 1939, Section 4, these activities appear to be in breach of the act's provision to prevent "an offer to treat any person for cancer, or to prescribe any remedy therefor, or to give any advice in connection with the treatment thereof". D&CC were of the opinion that this man's deeply immoral actions were not necessarily contrary to this act, particularly as he provides a mealy-mouthed disclaimer that the services he offers do not constitute a "cure". Aside from the fact that those seeking his services clearly believe he is indeed providing a cure, you'll note the specific wording of Section 4 prohibit the provision of a treatment or "advice therefor", not just a cure.
I understand that, on the face of it, this may seem to be a trivial matter, but I would ask you to consider how you might feel were it a close family member of yours being fleeced in this way. My grandmother died of throat cancer and she was plagued in her final weeks by charlatans and mystics of this order offering her false hope in return for what I imagine to have been a not inconsiderable sum of money. The law, I understand, takes a dim view of other forms of fraud and deception, and I feel that just because this specific con is couched in magical language that it should necessarily be beyond your remit.
Would the CPS consider Mr Aziz' actions to be in breach of the 1939 Act? Are there any other appropriate statutes relevant to deception that might also be suitably applicable? It pains me greatly to imagine this man being able to continue to fleece money from the elderly, the vulnerable and the infirm without consequence.
Yours,
*********
