London Man Charged with Manslaughter After Woman's Suicide Linked to Abuse

A man in London is charged with manslaughter after a woman's suicide. This is a rare legal step, with only two other similar cases nationwide.
By Newsroom | Crime, London |

A 45-year-old man, Seyhan Assaf, has been charged with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour following the death of Gillian Morand, 36. Morand died in Bexley, south-east London, in 2020. An inquest into her death concluded she had taken her own life.

London man charged with manslaughter in case that links alleged domestic abuse to suicide - 1

The prosecution is notable as it represents a rare instance where alleged domestic abuse is being directly linked to a woman's suicide, leading to a manslaughter charge. Scotland Yard initiated an investigation after allegations of past domestic abuse suffered by Morand came to light.

London man charged with manslaughter in case that links alleged domestic abuse to suicide - 2

Assaf, from Sidcup, south-east London, is expected to appear at Bromley magistrates court. This charge signifies a potential legal shift in how cases involving suicide, where domestic abuse is a suspected factor, are handled. Police are actively seeking witnesses who may have known Morand in the decade preceding her death, emphasizing that even minor details could be crucial.

Read More: Australian Footballers Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald Arrested for Trespassing in Arizona

London man charged with manslaughter in case that links alleged domestic abuse to suicide - 3

The legal action against Assaf is considered infrequent, with reports indicating only two other men in the country are facing similar manslaughter charges in cases where women have died by suicide due to alleged domestic abuse. This suggests a deliberate decision by authorities to pursue charges where there is deemed to be sufficient evidence and a public interest in doing so.

London man charged with manslaughter in case that links alleged domestic abuse to suicide - 4

The Metropolitan Police have emphasized their ongoing efforts to support survivors of domestic abuse across London.

Investigation Unfolds After Woman's Death

Morand's death occurred in 2020. Following her passing, allegations of domestic abuse she had allegedly experienced from her husband, Seyhan Assaf, emerged. These subsequent allegations prompted the police investigation and the eventual charges.

The Met Police arrested a 45-year-old man on Thursday in connection with the case. The specific allegations suggest that Morand was subjected to abuse over a significant period, and that this alleged abuse contributed to her death.

Read More: Why night trains do not run on Saturdays in London

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why has Seyhan Assaf been charged in London?
Seyhan Assaf, 45, has been charged with manslaughter and coercive/controlling behaviour. This follows the 2020 death of Gillian Morand, 36, in Bexley, London, whose inquest found she took her own life.
Q: What is special about this manslaughter charge in London?
This is a rare case where alleged domestic abuse is directly linked to a woman's suicide, leading to a manslaughter charge. It suggests a potential change in how such cases are handled legally.
Q: What were the allegations against Seyhan Assaf?
Allegations suggest that Gillian Morand suffered domestic abuse over a long period from Seyhan Assaf. The prosecution believes this alleged abuse contributed to her death by suicide.
Q: What is the police asking for in this London case?
The Metropolitan Police are looking for witnesses who knew Gillian Morand in the ten years before her death. They believe even small details could be very important for the investigation.
Q: How common are these types of charges in the UK?
Charges linking manslaughter to suicide caused by alleged domestic abuse are very uncommon. Reports suggest only two other men in the UK are currently facing similar charges.