The Crown Prosecution Service have explained why they withdrew a charge of manslaughter faced by a Grantham man who was accused of unlawfully killing his partner.
Julio Jesus, 31, was charged with unlawfully killing his partner Daniela Espirito Santo who died within hours of being assaulted by him.
Lincoln Crown Court was told that Jesus attacked Daniela Espirito Santo during an argument at the small flat they shared in Chestnut Grove, Grantham.
Jesus climbed on top of her and put his forearm across her throat making it difficult for her to breathe.
After a few seconds he released her and she told him to leave the flat, but as he did so he pushed the front door against her, trapping her behind it.
Ms Santo contacted police to report the assault at 9.45am on April 8, 2020 and Jesus was arrested later the same day.
Ms Santo, who was shielding because of her health problems, was found dead at 11.30pm, almost 14 hours after she reported being assaulted.
Police launched a murder investigation folowing the discovery of her body. Following an investigation Jesus was charged with manslaughter but on Tuesday the prosecution offered no evidence on that charge.
Daniela’s mother Isabel, in a victim impact statement, spoke about the decision to drop the manslaughter charge saying “As a family we cannot understand because we believe Julio Jesus is responsible for Daniela’s death.”
Jesus, 31, of Beechcroft Road, Grantham, admitted a charge of assault occasioning bodily harm arising from the original incident on the morning of April 8, 2020.
He also admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm as a result of a previous incident on March 28, 2020.
He was jailed for 10 months which is expected to lead to his release from custody, where he has been held on remand since the charges.
Lincolnshire Police had to report the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because Ms Santo had contacted the force in the run up to her death.
The IOPC has completed an investigation but does not expect to release its findings until an inquest is held into Ms Santo’s death.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We have completed our independent investigation into Lincolnshire Police’s response to a number of domestic incidents reported by Miss Daniela Espirito Santo prior to her death. We are in the course of liaising with Ms Santo’s family and Lincolnshire Police.
“We do not expect to be in a position to issue our findings publicly until the conclusion of future inquest proceedings.”
The Crown Prosecution Service last night (Tuesday) explained their decision not to charge Jesus with manslaughter and said they had been in touch with Ms Santo’s family.
A CPS spokesperson said: “Following a review of expert medical reports, we concluded there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a manslaughter conviction.
“As a result, this charge was withdrawn. Julio Jesus pleaded guilty to two counts of ABH and was sentenced to 10 months in custody. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ms Santo’s loved ones at this difficult time.
“Violence of this kind is unacceptable and we want every victim to come forward with confidence that when our legal test is met, we will always prosecute.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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