A man who viciously attacked his former girlfriend’s parents leaving her father in a coma, has been jailed.
Daniel Benitez, 27 of Longley Road, Wandsworth, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on April 28 to 19 years, 14 of which are to be served in prison, for one count of grievous bodily harm and one count of actual bodily harm.
His ex-girlfriend’s 53-year-old father has been in a coma since the attack on May 13 last year and requires round the clock care.
Investigating officer Detective Constable James Ross, of Lambeth CID, said: “This was a particularly brutal and vicious crime which has had a devastating, life changing effect on both the victim and his family.
“We are unsure how much of a recovery the victim will ever make and the robust sentencing handed out by the court today helps to reflect the severity of the injuries inflicted. I hope that this goes some way to providing justice and closure for the family.
“Benitez showed no remorse at any opportunity when questioned by police.”
“He is a dangerous and violent individual and his long term incarceration will go some way to making London a safer place.”
Benitez’s ex-girlfriend’s mother came home to find her husband lying on the kitchen floor with serious head injuries and a stab wound to his back.
Benitez was in the living room of the property, which had been ransacked.
He had been involved in a custody battle over access to his girlfriend’s son and blamed her parents for him losing the case.
Benitez then attacked the 54-year-old woman, beating her around the head.
He left the house but returned a short while later and when the terrified woman refused him entry, Benitez kicked the front door down while shouting at her to not call police.
She called friends for assistance and they contacted London Ambulance Service and the police.
Benitez was arrested on in Balham High Road on the day the attack took place and, after being charged with ABH, was remanded in custody by Camberwell Magistrates Court.
