Mr Nicklinson, 58, was left almost completely paralysed and unable to speak but fully conscious after a stroke on holiday in Greece seven years ago.The former businessman communicates through a specially adapted computer which records blinks and tiny head movements. He asked the court in June to grant immunity from prosecution for murder for a doctor who would give him a fatal dose of painkillers to end his life in Britain.
Under recent guidelines from the Director of Public Prosecutions only family members or close friends who are motivated by compassion are unlikely to be prosecuted for assisting a suicide. But the judges ruled that his request would have required the DPP to exceed his powers.
The complete High Court ruling against Tony Nicklinson and A.M. can be read here.