Police have urged those suffering from domestic abuse in York and North Yorkshire to reach out for help.
They were speaking as Vincent Joseph Morgan, who has a long history of violence towards his partners, was convicted of murdering his latest girlfriend, Lisa Welford.
A previous partner of Morgan gave what prosecuting barrister Craig Hassell called “graphic evidence” of the effect of domestic violence at his trial.
She survived years of abuse at the hands of Morgan.
Lisa Welford, 49, did not and was drowned by Morgan in the River Derwent in Malton late on April 24.
Leeds Crown Court heard she was suffering from head injuries, a bleed on the brain, fractured ribs, a fractured collar bone and a severely fractured femur when she was pulled alive from the water and given CPR. She died at Hull Royal Infirmary at 7.30 the following morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page, who led the investigation into her murder, said: “North Yorkshire Police welcome the verdict today and our thoughts are with Lisa’s family. We work extremely hard to protect victims of domestic abuse from harm and pursue those responsible.
“If you are a victim or are worried that a friend or family member may be, please reach out – there is support available. North Yorkshire Police have a dedicated Domestic Abuse Team who work closely with our partners to help victims and survivors of abuse.
“Separating from someone who is controlling can be a difficult and dangerous time for people living with domestic abuse and we recommend that victims reach out for support.
“North Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following this tragedy.’
The court heard that Lisa called police out three weeks before her death because Morgan was refusing to leave her home. Officers spoke to her at her mother’s house and sought and got a domestic violence protection order against Morgan which banned him from being with her or having any contact with her. It was in force when she died.
Lisa didn’t want to give a statement against Morgan because she was terrified of what he would do to her if he was prosecuted.
Police say that although they encourage anyone suffering from domestic abuse to report it to police they understand that they may not feel safe to do so.
They encourage them to tell someone, such as a GP, teacher, friends or loved one or contact the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) helpline 03000 110110
Here are links to services that help those suffering from domestic abuse
Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) IDAS
HALO - info@haloproject.org.uk 01642 683 045 support services tailored to victims and survivors from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds facing illegal cultural harms.
Refuge & National helpline Refuge, the largest UK domestic abuse organisation for women
Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid (womensaid.org.uk)
Men’s advice line Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men's Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk)
Hourglass help for older people Hourglass (wearehourglass.org)
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