The prosecutor said Ms Baraka spoke to police in January 2022 when she was found by officers “cowering” inside her bathroom. Jurors heard Ms Baraka told officers about Gitahi putting his hands around her throat and applying pressure “at random times”, particularly when he had been drinking. Ms Newell said police were called and they found a “tearful” Ms Baraka saying again that Gitahi had “strangled her”. “Viv told the attending police officer in April 2023 that Alvin threatened her and she was scared of what he could do to her.” When accused of murder, Gitahi accused Ms Baraka – without evidence – of heavy drinking and drug use.