THUG WHO BROKE EX'S JAW SEES JAIL TIME INCREASED
John Berry, aged 32, was involved in a relationship with the victim.After serving time for a different offence, he began visiting his former partner at her residence in Dunmow.
On July 24, 2017, Berry forcibly entered his partner’s home and assaulted her, including strangulation and multiple blows to her head and body.
The attack resulted in seven fractures to her face, including injuries to her cheek and jawbone.
Additionally, her spleen was ruptured.
Her injuries were comparable to those typically seen in victims of high-speed car crashes.
Berry had a criminal history comprising 13 convictions for 40 offences, five of which were against the victim.
He was apprehended in March 2018 in Cambridge after an investigation and a police manhunt.
At the time of his arrest, Berry, residing at Mansfield Mews, Quedgeley, Gloucester, claimed the victim had assaulted him with a knife.
He was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and received a nine-year prison sentence from Chelmsford Crown Court on November 2, 2020.
The case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, which deemed Berry to be a dangerous offender and concluded his sentence was too lenient.
The court imposed an extended determinate sentence of 15 years, with an additional five years on licence.
Attorney General Michael Ellis QC highlighted the gravity of domestic abuse crimes, personally presenting the case.
After the sentencing, Ellis commented: "Berry entered into his victim’s home and viciously attacked her, inflicting life-changing injuries.
"He then sought to escape justice both before and after being arrested.
"His actions have caused significant harm to the victim, who I hope will feel some comfort from today’s decision."
