Huddersfield legal secretary, 27, took own life after fearing her boyfriend was cheating

A ‘beautiful’ young woman whose ‘vibrancy lit up any room she entered’ took her own life after fearing her boyfriend was cheating on her, an inquest heard.

Ella Emery, 27, was found dead at the property she shared with her partner Jack Freeth, in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, just before 8am on June 15, 2019. 

The legal secretary for solicitors Eaton Smith, who had a history of anxiety and self-esteem issues, feared her boyfriend, a Kirklees Council heating engineer, had been messaging other women before her death.

She also had fears about money and was under stress from caring for her grandparents, Yorkshire Live reports. 

On the night before Ella’s death, Jack had gone out for drinks to celebrate a friend’s birthday while Ella stayed at home.

Ella Emery, 27, was found dead at the property she shared with her partner Jack Freeth, in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on June 15, 2019

The legal secretary became distressed when her boyfriend Jack Freeth (pictured together) began going out on a regular basis

The legal secretary became distressed when her boyfriend Jack Freeth (pictured together) began going out on a regular basis

Ella, who also worked as a part-time eyelash technician, later used Jack’s phone to text another woman while pretending to be him in order to confirm if her suspicions were true, Bradford Coroner’s Court heard.    

The court heard that Jack was initially arrested on suspicion of the 27-year-old’s murder after West Yorkshire Police launched a homicide enquiry.  

But the heating engineer, who was 24 at the time of Ella’s death, denied talking to another woman, telling the court: ‘I loved that girl to bits’.  

He was able to provide officers with a detailed account of events that night and senior investigating officer, Supt Mark Swift, ordered Jack’s release.

The officer said there was no evidence of a struggle and the criminal investigation was dropped. 

During the hearing, assistant coroner Anglea Brocklehurst heard that the couple shared a fiery relationship.

She was also told that Ella had attempted to take her own life when she was in a previous relationship.

Mrs Brocklehurst said Ella’s death was tragic and that as a young girl she had been fearless and outgoing and a protector of her older brother Ronnie who had been bullied. 

Mrs Brocklehurst: ‘She found herself in a relationship with an older man who tried to control her.

‘She found the strength to leave him but she began to doubt her self-worth. She took an overdose.

‘She formed a relationship with Jack and her sensitive emotional triggers were faithfulness and loyalty.

‘She enjoyed decorating her new house but she became distressed by Jack’s going out with his friends on a regular basis leaving her behind. 

The legal secretary, who had a history of anxiety and self-esteem issues, took her own life, the coroner concluded

The legal secretary, who had a history of anxiety and self-esteem issues, took her own life, the coroner concluded

Ella worked as a legal secretary and part-time eyelash technician

The 27-year-old took her own life in 2019

Ella’s mother Jane described her daughter as ‘the most considerate, loving and caring person’

Jack (pictured with Ella) denied talking to another woman, telling the court: 'I loved that girl to bits'

Jack (pictured with Ella) denied talking to another woman, telling the court: ‘I loved that girl to bits’

Assistant coroner Anglea Brocklehurst said Ella's death was tragic and that as a young girl she had been fearless and outgoing

Assistant coroner Anglea Brocklehurst said Ella’s death was tragic and that as a young girl she had been fearless and outgoing

‘In an earlier relationship in 2016 she made an attempt to take her own life. This final attempt happened when her partner was asleep and unable to help her.

‘That evening she interpreted events that she thought she was being rejected. There was her clandestine use of Jack’s phone in the early hours.

‘None of us can know what was in Ella’s mind and never will but I am satisfied that she couldn’t continue with her life despite the love and care of so many people around her.’

The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide. 

Paying tribute to Ella, Mrs Brocklehurst told her family: ‘Please accept my sympathy for a beautiful young woman who had so much to look forward to but who sadly was unable to see that.

Ella worked for solicitors Eaton Smith and was also a part-time eyelash technician

Ella worked for solicitors Eaton Smith and was also a part-time eyelash technician

‘I am so sorry for your loss, the life of a lovely, young woman.’

After the hearing Ella’s mother Jane Emery said: ‘It is easy and clear for anyone to see that Ella was the most beautiful young woman, but her family and friends know that she was so much more than just this.

‘She was the most considerate, loving and caring person, with a character so much more than just good looks.

‘Her wit, sense of humour and vibrancy lit up any room she entered.

‘With her passing, each one of us will always have a piece of our heart broken and missing that can never be replaced.

‘Ella’s motto for life was ”Always represent magnificence”, and that’s how we will always, and forever remember her. The most magnificent daughter and friend.’ 

For confidential help and support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a Samaritans branch  

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