Banker Planned £70,000 Offer and Greek Land to End Relationship Before Partner Fatally Stabbed Him, Court Hears

A City banker had planned to offer his girlfriend £70,000 and a plot of land in Greece to facilitate their separation before she fatally stabbed him, a court has been told. The partially decomposed body of 52-year-old Henrik Slotsaa was discovered on March 15 at the apartment he shared with Joanna Cierpka, 51, in Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle.

Police found Mr. Slotsaa's body in the bedroom, showing signs of decomposition and dried blood, indicating he had been deceased for some time. Investigators noted unusual marks on the body, which they suggested could have been an attempt at dismemberment. Cierpka, a Polish national, has pleaded not guilty to murder but admits to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

At the Old Bailey, prosecutors presented evidence that Mr. Slotsaa had informed Cierpka on her birthday that he had met someone else at work. A prosecution psychiatrist indicated that jealousy over his developing friendship with Aimee O'Shaughnessy was a factor in the killing. Ms. O'Shaughnessy, who was going through a divorce at the time, grew close to Mr. Slotsaa in the months preceding his death. She testified that Mr. Slotsaa had mentioned considering a financial plan to separate from Cierpka, which included an offer of £70,000 and a plot of land in Greece.

Ms. O'Shaughnessy met Mr. Slotsaa at a work event in November 2025, and they developed a friendship. They exchanged numbers in December and met for lunch near their office in January 2026. During this lunch, Mr. Slotsaa expressed that he liked her and enjoyed her company. Ms. O'Shaughnessy stated she was not looking to start a relationship due to her personal circumstances, and Mr. Slotsaa appeared to understand. She described their relationship as remaining platonic.

Mr. Slotsaa had reportedly told Ms. O'Shaughnessy he was having a difficult time in his relationship with Cierpka and that Cierpka was suffering from depression and not taking her medication. He expressed a desire to help her. Ms. O'Shaughnessy recalled Mr. Slotsaa discussing how he could financially resolve things with his partner to potentially separate, detailing his calculations for an offer of £70,000 and the Greek land. He also mentioned feeling obligated to Cierpka.

Text messages exchanged between Mr. Slotsaa and Ms. O'Shaughnessy indicated a growing closeness, with Mr. Slotsaa writing "I always need you for some reason, I can't explain." Ms. O'Shaughnessy replied that they were "totally stuck together" and insisted they were just friends.

Police were alerted to the property due to welfare concerns after Cierpka sent an email to her family and friends stating she intended to commit suicide. Officers forced entry into the apartment on March 15. Body-worn footage revealed the flat to be untidy, with numerous empty wine bottles. Upon encountering the police, Cierpka, who had a deep cut to her elbow, reportedly said, "I don't want to be helped. You know what happened here? He told me I'm a useless s***. He told me I should kill myself." She was taken to the hospital, where she allegedly told a staff member, "I killed my partner," a statement that was recorded in writing and signed by her.

Prosecutors stated there is no dispute that Cierpka killed Mr. Slotsaa by stabbing him with a kitchen knife. The central issue in the trial is whether she is guilty of murder or the lesser offense of manslaughter due to her mental state at the time of the incident. The prosecution is contesting Cierpka's plea of guilty to manslaughter, arguing it does not adequately reflect her responsibility.

Pathologists identified 14 separate sharp force injuries on Mr. Slotsaa, including slash and stab wounds to the face, neck, arms, and legs. Colleagues at Citibank had become increasingly concerned about Mr. Slotsaa's welfare in the week leading up to March 13 due to their inability to contact him. This concern began on March 9 when his line manager received a WhatsApp from his phone stating he had a high temperature and would not be coming to work. Colleagues noted that his out-of-office reply was not activated.

The trial continues.