Richmond man, 27, sentenced to over three years for brutally abusing and strangling his partner. A restraining order protects the victim.
Haroun Yasin Mohammed Berghout, 27, is from Richmond. A court sentenced him on February 6. He received over three years in prison and a 10-year restraining order. This protects his ex-partner and her family.
The woman said the abuse ruined her life. She lost hair and weight rapidly. Her body had bruises and scratches everywhere. She suffered from constant nightmares, reliving the abuse.
Yas destroyed her confidence and self-worth entirely. He acted brutally towards her, like a monster, punching, strangling, and kicking her repeatedly. Then, he blamed her for the abuse.
Friends and family contacted the police directly. They pushed her to support an investigation, which the Domestic Abuse Team led. Berghout initially denied everything but later changed his plea. He admitted to coercive behavior and strangulation. Plus, he pleaded guilty to criminal damage and assault.
Leaving an abuser seems easy from the outside, but she says it is much harder than it looks. She feels guilty for not leaving quicker, and her family and friends also suffered, fearing for her safety constantly.
She thanks those who supported her and praises Surrey Police and the officer. Now, she speaks for all abuse victims, urging others to seek help right away. Abuse is never your fault; it is wrong, and you never deserve any abuse.
Surrey Police led the investigation. The victim secretly recorded the abuse and gave statements to the police. This evidence was essential for the investigation.
PC Christopher Finucane worked on the case directly. He encourages abuse victims to come forward, assuring them that police will believe and support them fully. He also advises seeking help from Surrey charities, which offer support and safe places.