Man Locked Up for Savage Scissors Attack on Girlfriend
A violent thug who stabbed a mate with scissors before flipping out and viciously assaulting his girlfriend has been slammed behind bars for nine years.
Scissors Stabbing Terror in Bermondsey
Patrick Berry, 51, of Balaclava Road, SE1, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on 20 February for two terrifying assaults. Just weeks apart, he launched brutal attacks causing serious injuries.
On 1 December 2016, after a night at the pub, Berry followed his friend into another room and unleashed a savage attack. He sat on the man’s chest, stabbing him repeatedly in the face and back with a pair of nail scissors. The victim suffered blows from Berry stamping on him and hitting him with a chair. The 20-minute assault left the victim unconscious and hospitalised.
Grotesque Kitchen Assault on Girlfriend
Fast forward to 29 March 2017, Berry turned on his new girlfriend in Bermondsey in a terrifying rage. When she refused to discuss his upcoming trial, Berry ‘flipped out’ and battered her for two hours.
- He bashed her head with a granite pestle and rolling pin.
- He kicked and stomped her while she lay unconscious.
- He sat on her chest, nearly suffocating her.
She sustained 45 centimetres of scalp wounds needing 21 staples and four stitches, plus severe bruising. Initially, injuries were feared life-changing.
Judge Brands Berry ‘Dangerous Offender’
Berry was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and other charges, receiving nine years’ jail with an extended licence totalling 12 years. A restraining order bans him from contacting both victims indefinitely.
“Berry is a dangerous individual who carried out two absolutely brutal attacks,” said Detective Constable Sam Cafferty.
“The crime scene was like a Greek tragedy,” added Judge Clarke, referring to the blood-soaked kitchen.
Michelle McGuire from Victim Support praised cops: “Walworth police and Victim Support are 100 per cent professionals. I have the utmost respect for how they handled my very complicated case.”
Strong Support for Victims
Detective Inspector Tracey Miller highlighted the crucial role of the partnership between the police and Victim Support, with specialised Domestic Violence Advisers helping victims throughout the process.
Berry’s monstrous attacks show the brutal reality of domestic violence and the courage of victims coming forward to see justice done.
