Tracey Topliss died after falling down the stairs at her home in Birmingham . Partner Edward Metcalfe claimed that the fall had been a tragic accident . An initial post-mortem also ruled that Miss Topliss 's death was accidental . But a friend told police the pair had been in an abusive relationship . The couple were arrested and charged with murder, but released on bail pending further inquiries into their background.
Tracey Topliss died after falling down the stairs at her home in Birmingham . Partner Edward Metcalfe claimed that the fall had been a tragic accident . An initial post-mortem also ruled that Miss Topliss 's death was accidental . But a friend told police the pair had been in an abusive relationship . Another post-mortem showed Miss Topliss had been hit on the face . Metcalfe was arrested and has been jailed for five years after being found guilty of manslaughter .