A Belgian murderer and rapist serving a life sentence is to be allowed to have doctors end his life following a ground-breaking ruling under laws in Belgium permitting people to request euthanasia.

Frank Van Den Bleeken had argued that he had no prospect of release since he could not overcome his violent sexual impulses and so he wanted to exercise his right to medically assisted suicide to end years of mental anguish.

Belgium is breaking new ground in assisted suicide. Credit:Kate Geraghty

"Over recent years, he has been seen by several doctors and psychologists, and their conclusion is that he is suffering, and suffering unbearably," said his lawyer, Jos Vander Velpen.

The judicial ruling was the first involving a prisoner since the euthanasia law was introduced 12 years ago.