Woman who fell from Walsall flat lied to police to protect lover
A woman who fell from a third floor balcony told police her lover was attempting to save, not murder her, when she lost her grip and plunged from the height, a jury heard.
Kayli Hill also said she needed Michael Riggon, aged 53, who she had been dating for several months, by her side, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
The 28-year-old made the comments in a hospital intensive care unit as she emerged from an induced coma following the fall that left her seriously injured, said Miss Mary Loram, prosecuting, who added: "This was not a glimpse of the truth. It was said by somebody affected by trauma and her medical treatment."
Miss Hill later insisted to police that Riggon repeatedly battered her over the head with an ornament and threatened to kill her with a knife before allowing her to fall from the flat in Little London, Caldmore on February 27.
She appeared in court on a live video link and was asked during cross examination by Mr Jasvir Mann, defending: "You told a police officer; 'We had a domestic but he tried to save me and I need him by my side.' Is it the case that you were telling the truth then?"
Miss Hill replied: "No I wasn't. I was on morphine and had just come out of a coma. I was confused. I was trying to protect him. I did not want him to get into trouble. I'm the stupid one. I wanted to protect the man I loved. He didn't love me but I loved him."
Mr Mann continued: "He was doing his best to get a grip of you but you slipped." Miss Hill retorted: "He did everything he could to kill me. I did not try to jump off the balcony. I had just got off drugs and my life was brilliant. Why would I want to take my own life?"
Miss Hill fractured her back, pelvis, ribs and a wrist when she plunged to the ground, hitting the balconies of two other flats on the way down. One of her lungs was lacerated and emergency surgery was needed to save the sight of an eye.
She has told the jury how she climbed over the balcony and clung to the rail with her feet on a narrow ledge after Riggon allegedly came at her with a knife.
Miss Hill said: "I didn't think my balcony was that high. I didn't understand the risk and just wanted to get away from him. I thought that was the only option."
She claimed to have pleaded for help from Riggon who urged her to grab hold of his leg before allegedly removing it at the last moment, causing her to fall.
Riggon, of West Bromwich Street, Caldmore denies attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault. The trial continues.
