A man from Dartford has been jailed for four years after he violently beat his partner with a frying pan, leaving her in a six-day long coma.

Police have said that the woman “sadly endures lasting physical effects of this terrifying ordeal which no doubt has also left profound psychological scars”.

Sebastian Birzu, 23, hit the victim with the frying pan but then claimed she had been injured after falling and banging her head on a radiator.

Birzu and the woman were in a relationship and during the morning of Saturday, March 19, he attacked her.

After the assault, he contacted a relative who attended the home with others.

Paramedics and the police were then called, and she was taken to hospital with multiple skull fractures.

Birzu fled the scene before police arrived but was arrested during the early hours of the following day at an address in Greenwich.

Police say that he confessed to family members abroad about what he had done but repeatedly lied to police.

He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and remanded into custody.

Birzu appeared before Woolwich Crown Court and pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial and sentenced on December 13 to four years in prison.

Detective Inspector Adam Marshall said: “Birzu confessed his crimes to family members abroad but persisted with lies to police that the victim was only injured after falling and hitting her head on a radiator.

“I would like to thank and commend the victim, who has shown immense courage and strength to give evidence.

“After spending six days in a coma, she sadly endures lasting physical effects of this terrifying ordeal which no doubt has also left profound psychological scars.

“Domestic violence is a priority for Kent Police and nobody should ever feel they have nowhere to turn.

“There is a range of support and information available, just phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it.

“Nobody should ever feel they don’t have the option to walk away or get help.”