A MUM died cradling her toddler son while waiting for police after she was attacked by her abusive ex, an inquest heard.
Daniela Espirito Santo, 23, was told to call the non-emergency number 101 but was left on hold for eight minutes.
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Daniela Espirito Santo died while being held by the police
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She called 999 to report being attacked by Julio Jesus
When the host finally answered, all they heard was the cry of Danijela’s six-month-old baby.
The mum-of-two, who suffered from a heart condition known as myocarditis, died “as a result of an acute deterioration of the heart”.
The inquest was told that between May 2019 and April 2020, Daniela made several calls to the police about her partner Julio Jesus.
The day before her death, he was arrested after pinning his mother down and putting his hands around her neck.
He was released on bail on the condition that he not return to Danielle’s home in Grantham, Lincolnshire, but returned to her house that night.
At 11:22 p.m., Daniela called 999 and reported that Jesus had attacked her, but the call was considered non-urgent because he had already left home.
She then called 101 on the advice of the call handler and was left on hold for eight minutes, the court was told.
An ambulance was scrambled but Daniela was tragically pronounced dead shortly before 1am on 9 April 2020.
An autopsy revealed that she had suffered injuries to her forehead, cheek and jaw before her death.
Daniela also had bruises on her breast and right arm and there were no drugs or alcohol in her system, the inquest jury was told.
PC Miller of Lincolnshire Police told the court he attended a domestic incident on May 19, 2019.
He filled out a domestic assault, stalking and harassment form on Daniela’s behalf and concluded that she was “certainly not concerned about further offences”.
PC Miller concluded the risk to the mother was “standard” – meaning the likely risk of harm was low.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has the following advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Learn about the silent solution, by reporting abuse without speaking into the handset, instead of dialing “55”.
- Always have some cash with you, including change for a payphone or bus ticket.
- If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a less risky part of the house – for example, where there is an exit and access to a phone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where knives or other weapons are likely to be found. Avoid rooms where you could become trapped, such as a bathroom or where you could be locked in a closet or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, the SupportLine is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during a crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid offers a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am to 6pm and weekends from 10am to 6pm.
You can also call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Jesus was charged with manslaughter and two counts of causing actual bodily harm.
The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the manslaughter charge but he admitted both charges of ABH.
Daniela’s stepfather Joaquim Manedo said that she was a “strong character” who “lived for her family” and “did everything for her children”.
He added: “I can’t describe how I felt when the police told me that Daniela had died.”
The investigation continues.
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Daniela was discovered dead in April 2020
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She was described as a strong character who lived for her family
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Source: HIS Education