Seventeen detained as part of crackdown on domestic abuse

have detained 17 people across Merseyside as part of a crackdown on domestic abuse.

On Thursday 30 May teams of local officers, led by Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, travelled across Wirral, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Knowsley as part of Operation Cassia, a police operation to arrest people we believe are responsible for both recent and historical cases of domestic abuse.

Fifteen people were arrested and a further two people voluntarily attended for interview.

Philip Kennedy, 34, of no fixed abode, was charged with ABH, intentional strangulation, common assault, criminal damage, threats to destroy/damage and assault emergency worker. He was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool magistrates court on Friday (31 May).

Chris Abbott, 47, of no fixed abode, was charged with threats to destroy/damage and harassment. He was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool magistrates court on Friday (31 May).

Stuart Dinn, 51, of Gainsborough Road, Upton, Wirral, was charged with breach of a domestic violence protection order. He was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool magistrates court on Thursday (30 May).

Craig Baines, 37, of Swallowhurst Crescent, Liverpool, was charged with breach of a non-molestation order, breach of police bail and failing to attend for charging. He was remanded into custody to appear in court on Friday 31 May.

A further 12 men and one woman, were arrested on a variety of charges including sexual assault, harassment, malicious communications, historic sexual touching, common assault, criminal damage, threats to kill, controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking. All were released on bail or under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said: “Targeting perpetrators of domestic abuse is a priority for Merseyside Police and we are committed to carrying out this operational activity in order to detain those we believe to be responsible for domestic abuse involving their partners, ex-partners of members of their family.

“These regular days of action are not in isolation but support the work that our officers carry out everyday to apprehend offenders and support victim-survivors.

“Domestic abuse isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

“I would encourage people to please have the courage to come forward and talk to us or the partners we work with if you are a victim of domestic abuse, or you believe a friend or family member is at risk so we can protect those at risk and bring perpetrators to justice.”

You can read more about the signs of domestic abuse or make a report online:

https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2023/january/domestic-abuse/

You can report by calling 101, if you are not in an emergency situation. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to us then cough or tap the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance.

For more information please contact any of our support organisations via: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/