October 22nd 2024.
In the fall of 2023, a heartbreaking case of domestic violence took place in Sunderland. Melissa Eastick, a 36-year-old woman, was found dead at the home of her on-again, off-again partner, Stephen Todd. The court has heard that Melissa, described as "frail and vulnerable," suffered over 100 injuries as a result of being beaten by Todd over the course of several days.
According to prosecutor Peter Glenser KC, Melissa's death was far from quick or easy. On October 17, Todd called 999, claiming that he found Melissa unresponsive and not breathing. However, as Glenser told the jurors at Newcastle Crown Court, this was just one of many lies Todd would tell in the days to come. He stated that there was no way Melissa was "alright" the day before, as Todd claimed. In fact, when paramedics arrived, it was clear that Melissa had extensive bruising, swelling, and was very cold to the touch. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after.
It is believed that Melissa's death was a result of the repeated assaults she endured at the hands of Todd. She had sustained over 100 injuries, including fractures, burns, and a brain injury that would have rendered her unconscious for days before her death. The court heard that some of the injuries were inflicted as early as four to seven days before her death, while others were inflicted about 72 hours prior.
The prosecutor also revealed that there were no recorded sightings of Melissa alive after she was last seen with Todd on CCTV at a local store on October 2. The only proof of life was a sales call from Vodafone on October 6, just 11 days before her body was discovered. When paramedics arrived at Todd's flat, they found Melissa with severe injuries to her face and body, including fractured ribs, vertebrae, nose, and jaw. It was clear that she had been violently attacked.
The court heard that police had thoroughly investigated the area around Todd's home, reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage. However, they found no evidence of anyone else entering or leaving the flat during the time of Melissa's death. Glenser stated that if someone else was responsible for her death, they would have had to enter the flat multiple times and leave at the exact moments when the CCTV footage was unavailable.
The prosecution argues that Todd is responsible for Melissa's death, as he was the only one with access to the flat during the time of her repeated assaults. They believe that he either meant to kill her or cause her serious harm, which ultimately led to her death. Todd and Melissa had been in a tumultuous relationship since 2018, with both struggling with alcohol. However, Todd denies any involvement in Melissa's death and claims she arrived at his flat already injured.
This tragic case serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of taking action before it's too late. The trial continues as the court seeks justice for Melissa Eastick.
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