A man who callously sold lethal chemical kits to vulnerable people online, contributing to at least two deaths, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Miles Cross, 33, from Wrexham, North Wales, preyed on individuals in mental health crises, operating through a pro-suicide forum.
Defiant Refusal to Assist Police
Newly released footage reveals the shocking moment Cross arrogantly refused to help police trying to save lives. During a police interview in January 2025, officers pleaded with him to identify people who might be at risk from the substances he had sold.
Sat with his arms folded, the shaven-headed Cross repeatedly answered "no" to urgent questions. When asked, "Is there anyone at risk from anything you sold?" he simply replied "no". Officers implored him, stating their goal was to prevent loss of life, and asked, "Can you assist?" Once more, Cross replied: "no".
He denied selling any substances and claimed he had no list of customers. "I don’t know who these people are I can’t answer any of these questions," he told officers.
A Predatory Online Business
Despite his denials, an investigation proved Cross had set up a business targeting the vulnerable. He operated on an internet suicide forum, posting a QR code that allowed people to order a chemical directly from him and pay £100 via his bank account.
Police, working with the National Crime Agency and Ofcom, searched his Wrexham home in January 2025. They discovered quantities of the chemical and paraphernalia, contradicting his claims. Analysis of his seized devices linked him definitively to the forum, social media profiles, and the bank account used for transactions.
Cross later pleaded guilty to four offences of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another person, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961. He admitted selling the substance to four people.
Victims and Systemic Failures
One of his victims was 26-year-old Shubhreet Singh from West Yorkshire. The names of the other victims are protected by a court order. Police believe his actions contributed directly to two suicides.
Following the sentencing, Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, condemned the forum used by Cross. He stated it existed to "romanticise, instruct and groom people to take their lives" and was linked to at least 133 UK deaths. Burrows called for Ofcom to act immediately with fines and criminal sanctions against the forum's owners and for a public inquiry.
Det Supt Chris Bell of North Wales Police said: "Cross took advantage and exploited his victims in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental illnesses."
Alison Storey, a Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS, added: "His actions were purely for financial gain, and he made the process of ordering the chemical online easy and accessible."
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans described Cross as a "predator" and highlighted the unique digital element of the crime. The investigation began after a referral from Thames Valley Police, who linked a suicide in their area to Cross via financial inquiries.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
