A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a woman in London six years ago, in what police describe as a rare prosecution linking alleged domestic abuse to suicide.
Details of the Case
Gillian Morand, aged 36, died in Bexley, south-east London, in March 2020. An inquest concluded that she took her own life. Following her death, allegations emerged that Ms Morand had suffered domestic abuse, prompting the Metropolitan Police to launch an investigation.
Charges and Allegations
Seyhan Assaf, 45, of Berwick Crescent, Sidcup, south-east London, has been charged with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour. Police allege that Ms Morand was abused over a significant period, and that this contributed to her death.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten stated, "This is a complex investigation with very few charges of this nature authorised across the country." He urged anyone who was in contact with Ms Morand in the decade before her death to come forward.
Legal Proceedings
Assaf is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Saturday. The case highlights the challenges in prosecuting domestic abuse cases where suicide is involved, with authorities noting the rarity of such charges.
Support Resources: If you are experiencing distress or struggling to cope, you can contact the Samaritans confidentially at 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website for local branch details. In the USA, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. For international support, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline.
