Holly Sanchez, aged 32, endured severe abuse from her controlling boyfriend Ryan Evans, pleading with police not to inform him of her interactions with them, the court heard.
Evans, 30, allegedly assaulted Holly through physical violence during their brief relationship, leaving her with candle wax burns on her arms, according to Lewes Crown Court testimony.
Evans faces charges of murdering Holly, who passed away on May 13 last year.
The jury was informed that Evans dialed emergency services upon discovering Holly’s lifeless body in the morning, claiming she was well before returning to sleep.
Evans had been under conditional bail orders prohibiting contact with Holly.
Prosecutor Ryan Richter detailed how Holly’s body was discovered in Evans’ residence on Oates Walk, Crawley, lying on the floor amid bruising and two blood-stained pillows.
“At approximately 8:45 am on May 13 last year, police were alerted,” Richter told the jury. “They found a 32-year-old woman in the living room, lying on the floor. She had extensive injuries.”
Holly exhibited facial swelling, bruising, and injuries consistent with severe physical trauma, including rib fractures and head injuries, as confirmed by a post-mortem examination.
Medical experts determined Holly had suffered brain injuries akin to those seen in car accident victims, leading to pneumonia, which ultimately proved fatal.
“The prosecution contends that during their brief relationship, he subjected her to regular domestic violence, resulting in serious injuries that led to her death,” Richter stated. “It is our case that he murdered her.”
The court heard testimony from witnesses who reported seeing Evans assaulting Holly on multiple occasions prior to her death, including a nearby resident.
Evans allegedly became violent, dragging Holly by her hair, punching her, stomping on her head, and kicking her ribs while she attempted to cry out amid swollen lips.
Neighbors had contacted police multiple times after hearing threats and witnessing Evans physically attack Holly.
Holly’s family members noted injuries on her, including a burn mark from candle wax on her arm and facial bruises.
The court learned that Holly had entered a relationship with Evans following her husband’s incarceration for a knife assault in late 2022, which reportedly contributed to a tumultuous period in her life marked by alcoholism and legal restrictions.
During proceedings at Lewes Crown Court in Brighton, Evans, dressed in matching grey shorts and a T-shirt, viewed images and computer-generated representations of Holly’s injuries.
Evans denies charges of murder, assault, and coercive and controlling behavior.
The trial continues at Lewes Crown Court.
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