Parents of Hampshire woman speak of devastating impact following domestic abuse case

The parents of a 23-year-old Lindfield, East Hampshire, woman who committed suicide in 2023 have spoken about the devastating impact her death has had on their family.

Skye Nicholls was found dead at her home on 9 June 2023.

During enquiries into her death, police became aware that Skye had been subjected to domestic abuse by her then-partner, James Edwards, 26, from Horndean.

The pair began a relationship in December 2022.

Police said Skye had experienced verbal abuse from Edwards, including threats of physical violence and insults. On occasions, he also told her to kill herself.

Edwards was later charged with two counts of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to both offences on 1 September 2025 and was sentenced on 7 November 2025 to two years and three months in prison.

Following an appeal by Edwards, the sentence was reduced to 21 months on 27 February 2026.

Speaking about the impact of his daughter's death, Skye's father Andrew said the family had been left "broken".

He said: “There is no stronger relationship than the one between a father and a daughter. Sadly my dad and daughter bond was cut short on 9th June 2023.

“Skye’s passing has left a very big hole in my life. Not only that, it has had a massive impact on us all as a whole family. This family is now broken.

“The fact that she will never walk through the door with that beautiful smile and infectious personality really hurts.

“They say with time things do feel better - they don’t.”

Andrew also described the effect Skye's death has had on her brother and said family celebrations had changed since her death.

He added: “Family celebrations are not really ‘celebrations’ anymore since the light that lit up those Christmases and birthdays was turned off on that horrific day.”

Skye's mother Ashlie said her daughter's death had had a devastating impact on the family.

She said: “I feel as though the world stopped and I was plunged into limbo on 9th June 2023 when she was found after taking her own life.

“She was a bright, vivacious, kind and caring young woman who I miss dreadfully. I miss our telephone chats and meeting for lunch. I miss her at birthdays and Christmases as she was the driving force behind the celebrations. Life feels less bright, like a light has gone out.

“I mourn for the grownup mother and daughter relationship we were starting to have. That she will never realise her dream of a supportive, caring partner and children is heartbreaking.”

Ashlie said the loss was still felt as strongly by the family today as when Skye died.

She added: “Family occasions, which Skye loved, will never be the same again as a large part of our family is now missing and her loss is as keenly felt today as it was the day she died.”

Police are encouraging anyone affected by domestic abuse to contact them on 101, where they can speak to an officer in confidence.

They also said people who do not wish to contact police can seek help from independent domestic abuse support services.

For more information, visit the Hampshire domestic abuse support page on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/

Hampshire Police would also like to highlight Clare’s Law. For those who are unfamiliar with this, Clare’s Law allows the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. It means police can provide information that helps protect people at risk and prevent further crimes.

Under Clare's Law you can apply for information about:

•         A current or ex-partner that you still have contact with, because you're worried they may have a history of abuse, and are a risk to you

•         A current or ex-partner of a friend or relative that they still have contact with, because you're worried they might be at risk

For more information, visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/cl/triage/v2/request-information-under-clares-law/

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