Benn Merryweather: Hemel Hempstead man jailed for assault

Benn Merryweather was jailed for 11 years and five months at his sentencing on Monday (August 21).

He was initially arrested on August 27 last year, after police received calls reporting a disturbance from inside an address.

When officers attended, Merryweather failed to respond to them or open the door.

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After they had gained entry, police found a semi-unconscious woman in the hallway, with what appeared to be a serious head injury.

As she received medical assistance, Merryweather was taken into custody.

The victim was taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma.

She spent a week recovering in hospital, having suffered memory loss and "multiple fractures" to her eye socket, cheekbone, ribs and spine.

After further enquiries, CCTV footage was discovered from earlier that evening showing Merryweather and the victim walking down a local high street.

As they walked, he swiped the woman's legs from behind and left her lying on the ground.

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The 41-year-old was charged with 'Section 18 GBH' (grievous bodily harm), assault by beating and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Merryweather admitted assault by beating - relating to the incident in the local high street - but denied all other charges.

Following a two-week trial at Luton Crown Court, he was found guilty of Section 18 GBH on Tuesday, June 20.

He was found not guilty of coercive and controlling behaviour.

This Monday (August 21), Merryweather was handed a custodial sentence of eight years and five months plus an extended licence period of three years.

He was also given a restraining order preventing him from ever contacting the victim again.

DCI Andrea Dalton said: "This was a challenging and complex investigation for our team.

"Upon arrest, Merryweather absolved all responsibility of the GBH assault and maintained that the victim had fallen down the stairs.

"He also failed to provide any further account of what happened.

A custody image of Benn Merryweather. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

"As a result of this traumatic and violent assault, the victim also had no recollection of the incident.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary has a zero tolerance to this type of abhorrent behaviour, and we are pleased that Merryweather will now serve time in prison for his wrongdoing.

“I also hope today’s sentence will give the victim a sense of closure and enable her to move on with her life, safe in the knowledge that Merryweather will never be able to contact her again.”

The Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 808 8088 for free confidential advice and support.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary added: "In an emergency, always call 999.

"If you are afraid to speak, call 999 from a mobile and press 5, 5 to alert police that you are in danger."