Yahoo Movies 24 Hours in Police Custody devastates viewers with tragic case
24 Hours in Police Custody viewers were left devastated after the show's latest episode revealed that a male victim of domestic abuse had died following the arrest of his partner.
In Monday night's series finale (April 12), officers detained Sherry Naidoo, 37, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.
It was alleged that she had attacked her boyfriend Paul Jenner, 41, at their home in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, after which he was rushed to hospital to receive urgent treatment for brain trauma.
During the instalment, it was explained that Naidoo had been been released from prison just five days earlier, having served time for a previous assault on Jenner.
"Paul has always been loyal to Sherry. When I look back at the history there have been so many assaults. But Paul wouldn't name them," investigating officer Alicia Lawrence recalled, noting that they were able to go ahead with the arrest this time because Jenner had relayed what had happened while contacting emergency services.
"I've been violently attacked again by my partner. I'm in intensive care," he said on the call. "She's been in prison for six months and she's come out and done it to me again.
"I've just got to get out the relationship now, haven't I?" Jenner continued, as the handler responded: "Yes, I would say so. People who love you don't hurt you like that."
"That is massive for him. He's never given this before. He's named her," Lawrence said, as Naidoo – arguing, "I ain't done nothing wrong" – was taken to Luton Police Station where she was held in custody.
Later, officers discovered that she had washed the clothes she had been spotted in before the incident was said to have taken place, but when the police paid a visit to Jenner in hospital, he insisted that Naidoo hadn't harmed him and that he'd simply fallen over when drunk and hit his head.
Officers use CCTV to establish the timeline of events, as well as speak to a number of people in the area to establish the nature of Paul and Sherry’s relationship. pic.twitter.com/5BxlVcxvYR
— Bedfordshire Police (@bedspolice) April 12, 2021
"This genuinely concerns me because he obviously wants to engage but he's scared, but he's given us just enough with the 999 call. We'll go in without him," said Lawrence, before interrogating Naidoo.
"It's bullshit coming out of his mouth," the latter claimed, in response to the 999 call being played back. "I didn't do nothing to him."
Naidoo was ultimately arrested, sparking outrage on social media by smiling when she was being told her rights.
Towards the end of the episode, those tuning in were informed that Paul had fallen into a coma six days after the police visited him in hospital, and had suffered a heart attack.
This episode is breaking my heart. RIP Paul, if anything good can possibly come from this it's raising awareness that men can just as much be subject to domestic violence as women. Don't be afraid to get help 🙏#24hoursinpolicecustody
— Minnie Bee (@Minnie_B) April 12, 2021
Refreshing to see a programme highlight domestic abuse against men. Hopefully this will shed light on it and help more victims come forward without shame/embarrassment. #24hoursinpolicecustody
— Daryl Daniels (@DarylMJD) April 12, 2021
When they ask Paul where he wants to go and he says heaven 😥😥. Heartbreaking #24hoursinpolicecustody
— Anil Tailor (@AniltailorT) April 12, 2021
24 hours in police custody showing the devastating ongoing impact of domestic abuse and the harrowing situation for the victim. Support is out there for everyone #DomesticAbuse #24hoursinpolicecustody pic.twitter.com/Uiwknjel2A
— Seanna Richardson (@DugganSeanna) April 12, 2021
"He really loved her and he protected her until he died," declared Lawrence. "He would have always defended her. He was completely used to that way of life and it's all he knew anymore and that's the tragedy.
"This is going to be a job that stays with me for life. I hope she goes down for a very long time."
A judge ruled that Naidoo had no case to answer for a murder or manslaughter charge, and in the end she was sentenced to 16 months in prison for actual bodily harm after she admitted the assault.
24 Hours in Police Custody is available to watch on All4.
Organisations including The Mankind Initiative (www.mankind.org.uk) provide support and advice to male victims and survivors of domestic abuse, domestic violence and coercive control. Its confidential helpline, open weekdays between 10am and 4pm, is 01823 334244.
Digital Spy's digital magazine is back! Read every issue now with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+.
Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.
You Might Also Like
