Daryl Berman, 72, has been jailed for life for the murder of her husband David Berman, 84, at their home in Prestwich. The killing occurred on March 13, 2025, after David had returned from a day out with his daughter and grandchildren.
Son's instinct proves correct
David's son, also named Daryl, received a call from his mother shortly after the stabbing. He told Minshull Street Crown Court that he knew his father's life was in danger by the 'tone of her voice'. He said: 'I spoke to my sister who was already there and can hear pain in her voice now. On approach to the house I saw police cars and ambulances there.'
Upon arriving, he found the scene 'strangely seemed like a crime scene already' and has found what he saw in the kitchen 'difficult to shake out of my head'. He added: 'My sister was crying hysterically and then there was Daryl who seemed fairly calm considering what had happened. Not being able to say goodbye properly will always be hard to swallow. I feel cheated. Life will never be the same.'
Murder weapon and claim
The court heard that Mrs Berman stabbed her husband in the chest with a 'little paring knife' she had used for her lunch. She later claimed that David had fallen whilst carrying her lunch tray back into the kitchen. However, a jury convicted her of murder after a retrial, following a previous jury being discharged in December 2025 when they could not reach a verdict.
Victim impact statements
David's daughter Debbie Davis said: 'I keep going over different scenarios in my mind. I feel like I'm living in my own nightmare TV programme because things like this are not real. I feel like I can't even mourn my father. It has left a massive void in my life. I know my father was 84 but he still had some good years ahead of him. I feel bereft and cheated.'
On July 3, 2026, Berman was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years. She showed no reaction as she was led from the dock.
