A man who launched a brutal attack on his partner, leaving her with a collapsed lung and a displaced shoulder fracture, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison. Dean Berg, 49, from South Ockendon, Essex, appeared via videolink at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm and strangulation.
Brutal attack in victim's home
The court heard that on October 27, 2024, Berg carried out a 'wholly unprovoked' assault on his partner at her home in Swansea. He headbutted her in the face, causing her to lose consciousness and fall to the floor. When she regained consciousness, Berg was on top of her, choking her until she passed out again. Upon waking a second time, she found him pointing a knife at her.
Prosecutor Hannah George told the court that the victim suffered a collapsed lung and a displaced fracture of her shoulder, though the exact mechanism of the injuries could not be determined because the woman lost consciousness during the attack and Berg refused to attend his trial to give evidence.
Victim impact statement
In a statement read to the court, the victim described receiving ongoing physiotherapy for her injured shoulder and suffering from nightmares and flashbacks. She said she was 'traumatised' by the parts of the assault she could not remember and that seeing Berg holding a knife over her made her believe she was going to die. 'I no longer feel safe in my own home and no longer trust my own judgement,' she said. 'This attack changed my life. I will never feel safe again.'
Defendant's response to judge
Berg, who has nine previous convictions for 11 offences, including six for violence, appeared without legal representation. When Judge Catherine Richards asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, he replied with two words: 'Not really.' The judge noted that Berg's behaviour was 'unpredictable' and that he was not motivated to work with probation to address his offending.
Sentencing Berg to 40 months in prison, Judge Richards described the assault as a 'sudden explosion of anger' and said it was clear Berg was responsible for the injuries, whether directly or from the victim falling after being headbutted. Berg must serve half the sentence in custody before being released on licence.
