Student whose girlfriend killed herself after he threatened her with revenge porn could face trial

Damilya Jossipalenya, 24, killed herself one week after Alessio Bianchi, 26, allegedly said he would show her family a porn clip and footage of her taking cocaine. Photo / Daily Mail

The boyfriend of a woman who jumped 80 feet to her death after he threatened to send revenge porn to her family may now face manslaughter charges, a court has been told.

Damilya Jossipalenya, 24, killed herself one week after Alessio Bianchi, 26, said he would show her family a porn clip and footage of her taking cocaine.

Westminster coroner's court heard last week that the CPS has asked police if there is enough evidence to investigate Bianchi in connection with Jossipalenya's death.

The Sun reported that Det Sgt Emma Kirby, from the Met, explained: 'We have been asked to look into whether there has been a history of domestic abuse that could have deteriorated the deceased's mental state to a point where she might have committed suicide.'

Assistant coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe adjourned the hearing in London last week until an inquest can be completed this year.

Bianchi's barrister, Steven Powles, said it 'cannot be said that the defendant's actions caused the suicide'.

In April, Bianchi was spared jail after admitting disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress and one count of assault by beating.

The couple had met while studying at Regent's University in London.

A court heard the couple had a turbulent two-year relationship and went for a night out together on June 1 last year and came back to his apartment in Paddington, London, where they started arguing.

Bianchi pushed her out of his apartment in the early hours of the morning and threw her into the water feature outside, leaving her distraught and humiliated.

He claims that any bruises on her body were from his attempts to prevent her from committing suicide by jumping from his eighth floor balcony in the early hours on June 2.

But she killed herself the next day - just one week after she received a video on WhatsApp of her performing oral sex at a phone booth in north London, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Describing an earlier incident, Miss Jossipalenya told police he had 'grabbed her by the throat, struck her four or five times, spat on her and that she had passed out for a few seconds.'

Carly Loftus, prosecuting, said: 'A message was sent attached to the recording saying, 'I am going to keep destroying you'.

'The complainant's friend also received the video from three different numbers, one had a message attached, saying 'I will f*** you up next, my love.'

When Bianchi's phone was seized by police they found WhatsApp messages in which he had asked his friend to send the video to Miss Jossipalenya.

She reported the sending of the revenge porn to the police but continued the relationship afterwards.

Miss Jossipalenya told police she did not know she was being recorded in the phone booth.

She explained: 'I found it really insulting and humiliating, I think he's doing this for revenge because of the argument. I am still in shock and feel broken.'

Judge Jeffrey Pegden handed Bianchi a suspended jail sentence but said: 'That video caused her real upset, she was insulted and humiliated by receiving that most personal image of you and her.

'I accept that video was sent out of revenge for something that the complainant had said about you during the relationship.

'As far as the assault, that was a short time later, after the image had been reported to the police, you both had been out for the evening and you returned to your flat.

'There was an altercation when you returned - the events that took place afterwards were the aftermath of that altercation.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.