A Canadian man facing 14 murder charges for allegedly selling lethal substances online to people at risk of self-harm has agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge of counseling or aiding suicide, according to his lawyer.

The man's attorney told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that his client has agreed to the plea arrangement. The original charges stemmed from allegations that he sold dangerous substances through online platforms to vulnerable individuals.

The charge of aiding or abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years under the Canadian Criminal Code. This represents a significant reduction from the potential penalties associated with the original murder charges.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the online sale of lethal substances and their availability to vulnerable populations. The defendant was described as a former chef in some reports, though details about his background and the specific circumstances of the alleged crimes have not been fully disclosed.

The plea agreement still requires court approval before becoming final. No timeline has been announced for when the defendant will formally enter his guilty plea in court.