'Dr Death' offers to give evidence for Lesley Martin

Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke said today he will give evidence at Lesley Martin's attempted murder trial if required.

Dr Nitschke - dubbed Dr Death - leads pro-euthanasia group Exit Australia. Martin is head of the organisation's New Zealand branch.

Martin, 40, of New Plymouth was today committed to face trial for the alleged attempted murder of her terminally ill mother, who she was caring for at the time.

Defence counsel conceded Martin had a case to answer at the conclusion of a two-day depositions hearing in Wanganui District Court.

She was remanded for a High Court callover on November 18.

Her trial is not expected to happen until next year.

Martin wrote about her mother's death in her book To Die Like a Dog.

Dr Nitschke told National Radio he was not surprised that Martin would face trial, but he had been in regular contact with her and she was always aware of the risks of publishing the details of her mother's death.

"She also made it clear in her mind and I totally agree with her that unless these things do go to trial there's less likelihood there will ever be change in the rather oppressive legislation both your country and mine are saddled with."

Dr Nitschke said he had been following the case closely and would attend Martin's trial and give evidence if required.

Other Australian euthanasia supporters had also been following her case and had raised "quite a bit of money" to help with her legal defence.

"People who are brave enough to stand up and really tell the truth, to write it in a book, knowing the risks, but to come out and say this is what goes on this is what I did... These people need to be supported by all New Zealanders and all Australians."

He said in Australia mercy killers who had pleaded guilty had usually received very light sentences, but it took extreme courage to plead not guilty and challenge the established legal and political process.

- NZPA