HEMEL HEMPSTEAD MAN BENN MERRYWEATHER SENTENCED TO OVER EIGHTS YEARS FOR ASSAULT
Benn Merryweather, aged 41 and residing in Hemel Hempstead, received a prison sentence exceeding eight years following an incident that caused significant injuries to his former partner.Additionally, the court imposed a restraining order that barred him from contacting the victim and extended his license period to three years, resulting in a total sentence of 11 years and five months across all charges.
The assault took place on August 27, 2022, when police responded to a report of a disturbance at an address around 9:30 pm.
Merryweather initially refused to cooperate with officers but was detained after they entered the property.
Inside, officers discovered a woman semi-unconscious with a serious head injury, who was subsequently hospitalized and placed in an induced coma.
The woman suffered memory loss and multiple fractures to her eye socket, cheekbone, ribs, and spine, following an attack earlier that evening on a nearby high street where CCTV footage showed Merryweather tripping her from behind and leaving her on the ground.
Merryweather faced numerous charges, including Section 18 GBH, assault by beating, and coercive and controlling behavior.
He admitted to assault by beating related to the initial incident but denied the other charges.
After a two-week trial at Luton Crown Court, he was convicted of the GBH charge on June 20 and was acquitted of coercive and controlling behavior.
The investigation was extensive, focusing on the life-changing injuries sustained by the woman, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial.
The judge acknowledged the bravery shown by the victim and her family.
The court's ruling highlights the severity of his actions and their impact on the victim.
