London man Seyhan Assaf charged with manslaughter after Gillian Morand’s suicide linked to domestic abuse
A man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a woman in London six years ago.
Police said this was a rare investigation into allegations of domestic violence linked to suicide.
Gillian Morand died in Bexley, south-east London, in March 2020.
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation concluded the 36-year-old committed suicide.
Following her death, allegations that Ms Morand had previously been subjected to domestic violence emerged and Scotland Yard launched an investigation.
Seyhan Assaf, 45, of Berwick Crescent, Sidcup, south-east London, is now charged with manslaughter and oppressive or controlling behavior.
Police said it was alleged Ms Morand had been abused for a “significant period” and that this contributed to her death.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten said: “This is a complex investigation in which very few such charges have been confirmed across the country.”
He appealed for anyone who had contact with Ms Morand in the decade before her death to contact the police force.
Assaf will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or finding it difficult to cope, you can speak to Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit . Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch
If you are a US resident and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org To access online chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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