A man has appeared in court charged with manslaughter after it was claimed that domestic abuse contributed to the suicide of a woman six years ago.
Gillian Morand, 36, died in south-east London in March 2020, and an inquest ruled that her death was suicide.
But police were informed of domestic abuse allegations shortly after Ms Morand was found dead at her home in Bexley.
Seyhan Assaf, 45, is now accused of abusing Ms Morand over a ‘significant period of time’ which ‘contributed to her death’.
Assaf appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court charged with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour.
Flanked by two prison officers in the dock Assaf, wearing a grey jumper, spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.
Prosecutor Charlotte Godber told the court: ‘The charges are of the most grave nature. It was not an isolated act.’
Ms Godber said the allegations of domestic abuse dated back years and included a ‘violent assault’ in June 2018 which left Ms Morand with a broken cheek bone.
Gillian Morand, 36, died in Bexley, south-east London, in March 2020. An inquest found she had died by suicide, but a police investigation now claims that years of domestic abuse contributed to her death
The court heard that Assaf was born in Britain and has family in Turkey.
Marle O’Connor, defending, said a lot of the evidence comes from the coroner’s inquest, adding: ‘It can’t be said it was flung on him after six years.’
Mr O’Connor said Assaf is a self-employed plumber and owns his own property with a mortgage.
Assaf’s current partner attended the hearing alongside other members of her family.
Sobbing could be heard in the public gallery as District Judge Lloyd remanded Assaf in custody.
She ordered Assaf to appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing on April 7.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: ‘This is a complex investigation with very few charges of this nature authorised across the country.
‘We are supporting Gillian’s family, who ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
‘I ask that anyone who was in contact with Gillian in the decade prior to her death contact us. Any information, irrespective of how insignificant it may seem, may be of considerable value.’
Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor in CPS London Homicide Unit said: ‘We have decided to prosecute Seyhan Assaf with manslaughter and controlling or coercive behaviour.
‘This decision comes after working closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the death of Gillian Morand.
‘Our prosecutors worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring these charges to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.’
Information can be passed to the investigation team via their Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101 and quoting CAD number 4727/06MAR26.
