Officers have charged a man with manslaughter in connection with an ongoing investigation into the death of a woman in Bexley.
Gillian Morand, who was 36 years old, passed away in March 2020. An inquest that followed her death concluded that she had died by suicide.
Subsequent revelations regarding allegations of domestic abuse that Gillian had endured prompted the Metropolitan Police to conduct further inquiries, leading to the initiation of a formal investigation by detectives.
Arrest and Charges
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, law enforcement officials arrested a 45-year-old man in relation to Gillian’s death.
After consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service, the Metropolitan Police charged Seyhan Assaf, 45 (born November 12, 1980), of Berwick Crescent, Sidcup, with manslaughter as well as coercive or controlling behavior.
It is alleged that Gillian suffered abuse over an extended period, and that this abuse played a role in her death.
Assaf is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, March 7.
Investigation Details
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten from the Metropolitan Police Service stated, „This is a complex investigation with very few charges of this nature authorized across the country.“ He added, „We are supporting Gillian’s family, who ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.“
Whitten also urged anyone who had contact with Gillian in the ten years leading up to her death to reach out to the police, emphasizing that any information, no matter how trivial it may seem, could be of significant importance.
Information can be submitted to the investigation team via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101 and referencing CAD number 4727/06MAR26.
Prosecution Statement
Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor in the CPS London Homicide Unit, remarked, „We have decided to prosecute Seyhan Assaf with manslaughter and controlling or coercive behavior. This decision comes after working closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the death of Gillian Morand.“
Yelland further noted, „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.“ The Metropolitan Police continues to collaborate with partners to support survivors of domestic abuse. For further context on similar cases, see the article on the murder charge after fatal stabbing in Camden and the impact on community following murder charge in Lambeth.
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Bildquelle: ai-generated-gemini
