Manslaughter charge after woman took own life

A man has appeared in court charged with manslaughter after a woman took her life six years ago.

Gillian Morand, 36, died in south-east London in March 2020, and an inquest ruled that her death was suicide, the Metropolitan Police said.

Allegations of domestic abuse that Morand had previously made subsequently came to light and Scotland Yard launched an investigation.

Seyhan Assaf, 45, of Berwick Crescent, Sidcup, was arrested on Thursday and later charged with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour.

It is alleged that Morand was abused over a "significant period" and that this contributed to her death, the force said.

Assaf appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Saturday and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was remanded into custody by Judge Vanessa Lloyd and told he would next appear at the Old Bailey on 7 April.

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