TWO people alleged to have helped a North-East pensioner travel to a Swiss suicide clinic will not face charges, it has emerged.

Douglas Sinclair, who was suffering from multiple system atrophy, died at the Dignitas clinic, in Zurich, on July 28 last year.

Mr Sinclair, 76, who lived at Stapleton House care home, in Jarrow, South Shields, had suffered from the condition, which attacks the brain and nervous system, for two years.

The retired engineer is understood to have taken the decision to end his own life as his body began to shut down.

Afterwards, his daughter Helen, then 41, from Darlington, defended his decision.

Mr Sinclair's last moments were captured on a DVD, which became part of a 10-month police investigation.

Under UK guidelines, loved ones who help a person travel to the Dignitas clinic face up to 14 years in jail if convicted of encouraging or assisting suicide.

However, the rules say a decision not to prosecute may be taken if the suspect was wholly motivated by compassion, had done their best to dissuade the victim and it was clear the person taking their own life had 'reached a voluntary, clear, settled and informed decision to commit suicide'.

Mr Sinclair's solicitor, Christopher Potts, said friends, family and the authorities had tried to talk the 76-year-old out of voluntary suicide but insisted he had made his mind up months before.

A 48-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man who were arrested will not face charges, Northumbria Police have said.

A spokesman said: "A full investigation was carried out by Northumbria Police in relation to this case and files of evidence were presented to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

"The CPS has taken the decision that no further action will be taken against the 48-year-old woman and 49-year-old man who were arrested."