A rare criminal prosecution, alleging that domestic abuse directly contributed to a woman’s suicide, has been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service six years after her death.
Seyhan Assaf, 45, has been charged with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour in connection with the death of Gillian Morand, who was 36 when she died in Bexley, south-east London, in March 2020. An inquest at the time concluded she had taken her own life.
However, following her death, allegations that Ms Morand had suffered domestic abuse over a “significant period” came to light, prompting a complex investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Prosecutors and police now allege that abuse contributed to her death.
A ‘Complex’ and Unusual Case
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, leading the investigation, emphasised the unusual nature of the charges. “This is a complex investigation with very few charges of this nature authorised across the country,” he said.
The decision to prosecute was confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service. Senior Crown Prosecutor Samantha Yelland stated it was made after reviewing the evidence gathered by the Met. “We have established there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to prosecute,” she said.
Assaf, of Berwick Crescent, Sidcup, was arrested on Thursday, 5 March 2026. He is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 7 March.
Appeal for Information from a Decade
In a direct appeal for further information, DCI Whitten has asked anyone who was in contact with Gillian Morand in the ten years before her death to come forward. “Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be valuable,” he said.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the investigation via the Metropolitan Police’s Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101, quoting the reference CAD 4727/06MAR26.
Details of the Defendant
The defendant, Seyhan Assaf, was born on 12 November 1980. According to publicly available company records, he has held directorships, including with a now-dissolved company called DRAIN PLUMB CONTRACTORS LTD and a current active company of the same name, with a correspondence address in Covent Garden, London.
The case will now begin its journey through the magistrates’ court.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
