11 arrests in operation to tackle domestic abuse

We have detained 11 people across Merseyside as part of a crackdown on domestic abuse, on suspicion of offences including rape, assault, harassment and stalking.

On Thursday 11 July teams of local officers, led by Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, travelled across Wirral, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Knowsley as part of Operation Cassia, a police operation to arrest people we believe are responsible for both recent and historical cases of domestic abuse.

Andrew Kinley, 48, of no fixed abode, was charged with seven offences including assault, three counts of criminal damage, witness intimidation and possession of a class B drug. He was remanded to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday 12 July.

Michael O’Brien, 43, of Guilsted Road, Liverpool, was charged with two breaches of a non-molestation order and stalking. He was remanded to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday 12 July.

Kailan Wilson, 27, of Mount Pleasant Avenue, St Helens, was charged with threat to damage property, stalking, intentional strangulation, possession of a controlled drug and breach of bail. He was remanded to appear at Merseyside Domestic Violence Court on Friday 12 July.

Two men remain in custody, five men were bailed with conditions and one man was released without charge.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said: “Domestic abuse comes in many forms, it isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

“Targeting perpetrators of domestic abuse is a priority for Merseyside Police and these regular days of action are not in isolation but support the work that our officers carry out every day to apprehend offenders and support victim-survivors.

“Merseyside Police is determined to break that cycle of abuse where perpetrators continue to commit crime after crime against their victim thinking that every time they do, they are less likely to get caught. 

“I would encourage people to please have the courage to come forward and talk to us or the partners we work with if you are a victim of domestic abuse, or you believe a friend or family member is at risk so we can protect those at risk and bring perpetrators to justice.”