Seventeen arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences

Merseyside Police has conducted a wide-reaching enforcement operation, resulting in the arrests of 17 individuals across the region. The action, identified as Operation Cassia, targeted suspects linked to both recent and non-recent allegations of domestic abuse. Officers from the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit led the crackdown, which spanned multiple local authority areas including Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens, and Knowsley.

The individuals taken into custody comprised 12 men and five women. According to official reports, the suspects face a range of serious allegations, including stalking, harassment, threats to kill, assault, and sexual assault. Following the initial processing, two of the 17 suspects were released on bail, while 15 remained in police custody.

Media additions

Detective Inspector Keith Swift of the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit described the operation as part of a recurring cycle of enforcement intended to support ongoing investigative efforts.

"Today’s day of action was one of many we have carried out to support the work that our officers and partners carry out every day to bring perpetrators of domestic abuse to justice and ensure victim-survivors receive the support they need."

Keith Swift, Detective Inspector, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, via Knowsleynews

The force connected the activity to its broader involvement in the 16 Days of Action for Violence Against Women and Girls, a global movement observed annually from 25 November to 10 December. Beyond this specific operation, Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, have recently initiated a public awareness campaign. This initiative highlights personal accounts from victim-survivors to help the public identify early warning signs of abuse, with a particular focus on coercive and controlling behaviour.

Detective Inspector Swift emphasised that the scope of domestic abuse extends beyond physical violence. He noted that it encompasses emotional and sexual abuse, the control of finances, and other forms of manipulation.

"We are relentless in our pursuit of those who cause untold harm and are committed to bringing them to justice. Merseyside Police simply will not allow perpetrators to believe that they can commit crime after crime against their victim thinking that every time they do, they are less likely to get caught."

Keith Swift, Detective Inspector, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, via Knowsleynews

Judicial proceedings regarding interference

In a separate but related development within the local justice system, four individuals appeared at the Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18. The defendants face charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors allege that the group collaborated to provide false reports and statements to the police during 2022, with the specific intent of incriminating a male.

The four defendants involved in this case are:

• Caitlyn Waring, 25, of Linear View, Newton-le-Willows
• Nicole McMenamy, 25, of Baltimore Drive, Sutton
• Walid Gbeira, 37, of Birchfield Road, Widnes
• Joanne Fillingham, 38, of Birchfield Road, Widnes

Following the magistrates' court hearing, the case was transferred to Liverpool Crown Court. The four defendants were granted unconditional bail until their next scheduled appearance. That appearance, a plea and trial preparation hearing, was set for Wednesday, July 16.

Support and reporting

Merseyside Police maintains that domestic abuse is a crime that can impact anyone, regardless of social status or gender. The force continues to urge anyone experiencing abuse, or those concerned about someone else, to engage with their support services. Detailed information regarding reporting procedures and the force’s specific commitments to tackling violence against women and girls is available through the official departmental portal at www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg.