Man Faces Manslaughter Charges Six Years After Bexley Woman's Suicide Linked to Domestic Abuse
A man has been charged with manslaughter following a woman's death that was initially ruled a suicide, with authorities now linking it to allegations of domestic abuse. Gillian Morand, 36, died in Bexley, south-east London, in March 2020, and an inquest concluded her death was suicide, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Charges Filed After Investigation Reveals Abuse Allegations
After Ms. Morand's death, allegations of domestic abuse she had previously endured came to light, prompting Scotland Yard to launch a detailed investigation. Seyhan Assaf, 45, of Berwick Crescent in Sidcup, south-east London, has now been charged with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour.
Prosecutors allege that Gillian was subjected to abuse over a significant period, and this abuse is believed to have contributed to her tragic death. Assaf is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Saturday to face these serious charges.
Complex Investigation with Rare Charges
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten from the Metropolitan Police Service emphasized the complexity of this case, noting that very few charges of this nature are authorized across the country. "We are supporting Gillian's family, who ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time," he stated.
DCI Whitten also appealed to the public for information, urging anyone who was in contact with Gillian in the decade prior to her death to come forward. "Any information, irrespective of how insignificant it may seem, may be of considerable value," he added. Information can be provided via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101 and quoting CAD number 4727/06MAR26.
CPS Decision to Prosecute Based on Evidence and Public Interest
Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor in the CPS London Homicide Unit, explained the decision to prosecute. "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," she said.
Yelland further noted that prosecutors worked diligently to establish sufficient evidence for these charges and determined that pursuing criminal proceedings is in the public interest. The Metropolitan Police continues to collaborate with partners to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse, highlighting ongoing efforts to address such critical issues in the community.
