Title: Independent Watchdog to Reopen Investigation into Lincolnshire Police’s Management of Grantham Domestic Abuse Fatality
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is gearing up to launch a fresh inquisition into the handling of a terrible case of domestic abuse in Grantham, Lincolnshire. This case ended devastatingly when 23-year-old Daniela Espirito Santo was declared dead in April 2020. The IOPC’s decision comes following a coroner’s inquest in October of the past year. The proceedings of this inquest recognised Ms Espirito Santo as a victim of unlawful homicide and underlined Lincolnshire Police’s failure to offer her sufficient protection.
It was documented that Ms Espirito Santo submitted a report of an assault at the hands of her partner, Julio Jesus, merely a day prior to her death. Despite already being out on bail for a separate assault charge, Jesus initially faced charges of manslaughter in relation to Ms Espirito Santo’s case. This charge was later withdrawn due to lack of substantial evidence linking his actions to her subsequent death. Jesus was later indicted for assault, resulting in a 10-month jail term.
The inquest report echoes that the genesis of the traumatic distress stems from domestic abuse and assault, which kickstarted a heart condition, eventually cumulating in a heart attack. Adversely, the force was found to have fallen short on logging all pertinent crimes and underassessed the potential involvement of manipulative and domineering behaviour.
More recently, scandal has arisen from indiscretions in the form of inappropriate humour by a police sergeant, revolving around the subject of strangulation while reviewing the case with other officers.
Contrary to a previous examination by the IOPC, which concluded no evidence of police negligence, recent insights originating from the inquest and pleas from Ms Espirito Santo’s family have catalysed a new examination by the oversight body. The IOPC’s Director, Emily Barry, confirmed that the renewed study is warranted due to a combination of public interest and powerful new evidence, including critical remarks possibly caught on custody CCTV.
Lincolnshire Police has formally confirmed its intent to fully cooperate with the pending inquisition. In tandem, the IOPC has promised Ms Espirito Santo’s family they will remain involved and updated throughout the process. All findings from this inquiry will be released when appropriate.
This report has been adapted from original coverage by www.bbc.com for The Lincoln Post.
