'Let me die with dignity' DISABLED WOMAN'S PLEA TO HUMAN RIGHTS COURT.

A TERMINALLY-ILL British woman took her fight for the right to "die with dignity" to the European Court of Human Rights yesterday.

Paralysed from the neck down by motor neurone disease and with a life expectancy described as "very poor, " Diane Pretty was wheeled into the court in Strasbourg to hear her lawyers argue her husband Brian, 45, should be able to help her take her own life without fear of prosecution.

Commenting afterwards mother of two Mrs Pretty, 43, who can speak only with the use of a voice synthesizer, said: "I just want my rights."

The couple also revealed the visit to Strasbourg was their first trip abroad. "It is very poignant, " said Mr Pretty.

"Our very first trip abroad is to come here to ask for Diane's right to die."

The Prettys endured a 12 hour journey by ambulance from their home in Luton through the Channel Tunnel to be at the hearing - something Mrs Pretty was determined to do.

"They said it wasn't possible for her to make it. Well, we're here, " said Mr Pretty.

Mrs Pretty was not required to give evidence.

Britain's Law Lords have already turned down Mrs Pretty's plea, insisting that the European Convention on Human Rights, now enshrined in UK law, does not allow assisted suicide.

CAPTION(S):

PARALYSED: Mother-of-two Diane Pretty and her husband Brian