Statement following conclusion of inquest into the death of Aliny Dias Mendes Godinho

We have issued a statement following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Aliny Dias Mendes Godinho from Ewell.

Over the last five weeks an inquest has been taking place before the Senior Coroner for Surrey at Woking Coroner’s Court, into the death of 39-year-old Aliny Dias Mendes Godinho from Ewell.

Aliny was murdered by her husband Ricardo Godinho on 8 February 2019.  Godinho, of Epsom, was found guilty of Aliny’s murder in July 2019 and was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

On Friday (25 February), the Senior Coroner concluded that Aliny Godinho was unlawfully killed, and that her death was probably more than minimally contributed to by Surrey Police.

The Coroner also indicated that he will be issuing a regulation 28 report against Surrey Police to prevent other deaths.

Detective Superintendent Juliet Parker said: “Our thoughts have been with the family and friends of Aliny since her tragic death and we recognise the profound impact her death has had on all those who knew her.

“We agree there were failings on the part of Surrey Police in how her case was handled. Opportunities to safeguard Aliny were missed and for that we are deeply regretful.

“We welcome today’s conclusion and accept the findings that there are areas of improvement for us as an organisation. We remain committed to tackling the issue of domestic abuse and measures have already been put in place as a result of the important learning which has come out of this case.

“Our officers are at the heart of the service we deliver to the public and all of those involved have been significantly affected by this tragedy.  We come to work every day with the aim of keeping people safe. On this occasion we failed and we are truly sorry.”