The jury found the mother, who died after reporting an assault, was wrongfully killed

A mother who died hours after reporting an attack by her partner to police was unlawfully killed, an inquest jury has concluded.

Daniela Espirito Santo, 23, was found unconscious at her property in Chestnut Grove in Grantham, Lincolnshire, after she called police to report an attack by her then-partner Julio Jesus, who had been released on police bail before she died in the early hours of April 9, 2020.

The jury hearing the inquest at Lincoln Coroner’s Court returned its verdict on Wednesday, finding that she died as a result of “severe emotional distress” caused by an attack resulting in sudden cardiac death.

The jury heard that Ms Espirito Santo dialed 999 just before midnight on April 8 but was told by the police call handler to call 101 instead.

Ms. Espirito Santo was then put on hold for eight minutes before anyone answered, and when they answered, the carer could only hear her six-month-old baby crying.

An ambulance was called to Ms. Espirito Santo’s address, where she was found unconscious and was pronounced dead at 12:58 a.m. despite efforts to save her.

Ms. Espirito Santo suffered from a heart condition called myocarditis and died that night as a result of myocardial insufficiency “which was triggered by an altercation,” the jury found.

Police interviews with Mr Jesus following his partner’s death confirmed he was “fully aware” of the severity of her condition and the danger he could pose.

Ms Espirito Santo had called Lincolnshire Police several times between May 2019 and her death in April 2020 about the domestic violence she suffered with Mr Jesus.

He was arrested on April 8, a day before his partner’s death, after allegedly restraining Ms Espirito Santo and tying her throat.

He was released on bail at 6pm that evening on condition he did not go to her address or contact her. However, shortly afterwards he breached those conditions, the jury was told.

Dr. Jacqueline Sebire, an assistant professor with decades of experience in police work, previously told the inquest it was “inconceivable” that Mr Jesus was out on bail and living in his car about 200m from the scene of the attack.

Dr. Sebire said there were other “missed opportunities” including the fact that police officers failed to identify or report Mr. Jesus for his coercive and controlling behavior, and that incidents of domestic violence were dealt with “in isolation.”

She added that training for key decision-makers on domestic violence was outdated and that an update would have been helpful in identifying coercive and controlling behavior.

The jury concluded that “the officers failed to carry out their duties in accordance with the APP” and that “significant opportunities were missed to protect Daniela”.

The jury spokesman added: “Had these measures been taken, the former partner would, on balance, have remained in custody.”

Chief Constable Paul Gibson, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “Following the conclusion of the investigation into the death of Daniela Espirito Santo, our thoughts today are with her, her family and friends – particularly her two children.

“The jury found that Lincolnshire Police could have done more in dealing with Daniela and her then partner.

“We apologize to Daniela’s children, family and friends for the suffering they have endured since her death and that we could have done more.

“There is still much work to be done in our prevention and response to domestic abuse, along with the changes we have already made, which we can talk about later, as today we extend our sincere condolences to Daniela’s family and friends.”

Ms Espirito Santo’s family said the investigation had “finally given Daniela a voice”.

They said: “Daniela was the most caring, loyal and heartwarming person. She was the light in a room. She would never judge anyone, ever.”

Coroner Paul Smith concluded the inquest by addressing her family, saying: “It has undoubtedly been a very difficult three weeks for you all, I know that.

“Nothing I or the jury can say today will change the tragic events of April 8 or take away the sense of loss that I am sure you continue to feel.”