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The on-off boyfriend of a troubled woman has been told by a judge he bears a “moral responsibility” for her death.
Adam Greaves was at Hannah Danch’s Maidstone home on the night she took her own life - despite being banned by a restraining order.
The 38-year-old had ignored the court ruling on four occasions prior to the 33-year-old’s death, in 2018.
Greaves, of Egerton Road, Maidstone, was investigated by police to see if his conduct had contributed to Ms Danch’s actions. Maidstone Crown Court heard this week that after a full investigation no criminal charges were brought.
But Judge Stephen Thomas told him: “You must bear some moral responsibility for what happened.
“You would have known that she was vulnerable and you would have known her decision making was not of the best.
“If these breaches had come to light in different circumstances only a substantial immediate custodial sentence would have been appropriate.”
"People cannot pick and choose whether or not to obey a court order..."
The court heard Ms Danch had issues with alcohol and drug misuse and suffered from mental health disorders.
She and Greaves had been in a “volatile” relationship since 2015. At times they were antagonistic towards each other.
In 2016 he was made subject to a three-year-restraining order for two offences of battery and causing criminal damage.
He was prevented from contacting her or going to her home in Cobb Avenue.
But on August 30, 2018, Greaves called the emergency services to the property, where Ms Danch had hanged herself .
“Very sadly, attempts by the paramedics to resuscitate her failed and tragically she was confirmed deceased,” added prosecutor Lucy Luttman.
Greaves had only recently been released from jail for his third breach of the order.
On July 15 Ms Danch sent Greaves two messages and between July and her death, he responded with 344 text or phone calls.
"In fairness, data later showed she had made 140 calls or texts to him, not all of them answered," said Ms Luttman.
The court heard how Greaves was “regularly” seen at the house, although Danny Moore, defending, claimed that the breaches were “encouraged.”
Greaves was given an 18 month jail term, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid community work for breaching the order.
The judge told him: “You chose to ignore those court orders on previous instances. People cannot pick and choose whether or not to obey a court order, as you seemingly thought that you could.
“Nothing I can do can bring her back and I bear in mind this matter is now two years old, and it would have preyed upon you, as it should.”
He added that Greaves “richly deserved a more substantial outcome but I am going to show leniency.”
The judge heard that Ms Danch’s family were listening to the case in another part of the court.
For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 any time
