Seyhan Assaf denies manslaughter after inquest rules partner's death suicide

Seyhan Assaf, 45, of Sidcup, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday and entered a not guilty plea to the manslaughter of Gillian Morand, 36. Morand died in south-east London in March 2020. A coroner’s inquest later ruled her death a suicide.

The Crown Prosecution Service alleges Assaf subjected Morand to years of domestic abuse, which contributed to her death. The charges include three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in 2016 and 2018, and coercive and controlling behaviour between December 2015 and March 2020.

Allegations of abuse and control

Court documents state Assaf physically assaulted Morand on multiple occasions. He is also accused of threatening to harm her, damage property, or withhold her money. The charges include verbal and emotional abuse, economic control, and restricting her freedom of movement.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC set further hearings for 20 August and 23 October this year. A seven-week trial is scheduled to begin on 8 March 2027. Assaf was remanded in custody following Thursday’s hearing.

What happens next

The case will return to the Old Bailey for pre-trial hearings in August and October. The full trial is expected to last seven weeks, starting in March 2027. Assaf remains in custody until then.