Repair demand over roof escape

Marguerite Evans fell through a neighbour's roof

A woman who fell through the roof of a neighbour's house as she fled from her violent ex-partner has received an apology from an insurance company who sent her a £400 repair bill.

Marguerite Evans, 45, had been kept prisoner in her bedroom at knife point by her former lover, Derek Jones, when she made her escape through the window.

She ran across two roofs in her home town Treherbert in Rhondda before falling through the kitchen roof.

But was shocked when she received a letter from the insurance company Royal and Sun Alliance demanding £410 to pay for the damage she had caused.

Ms Evans said she was upset by the demand.

"I can't believe they can be so callous," she said.

"I was fleeing for my life and the roof was the only way of escape.

"If I hadn't done that I honestly believe I would be dead today. It is staggering how heartless they've been."

Ms Evans was wearing only a nightdress when she ran barefoot across her neighbours roof to escape from Jones.

She had been asleep at home when Jones broke into the house during the early hours.

Wielding an eight-inch carving knife, Jones, 42, dragged her into another bedroom and punched her.

We have reviewed Mrs Evans' case and decided there were unique circumstances Spokeswoman, Royal and Sun Alliance

He then kept her hostage for an hour before she tricked him into getting her a glass of water, allowing her to escape through the window.

Jones was later arrested and charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on her.

He admitted the charge at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court and was jailed for two years.

After the sentencing, Ms Evans received a letter from the insurance company demanding £410, which was followed by a second letter threatening court action if she did not pay.

They accused Ms Evans of "entry onto our insured's property which was not authorised and therefore forms a trespass".

But following a review of the case, the Royal and Sun Alliance have withdrawn their demand and apologised to Ms Evans.

A company spokeswoman said: "We have reviewed Mrs Evans' case and decided there were unique circumstances.

"We have decided to drop our demand and we are sending a letter to Mrs Evans apologising for the distress we may have caused."