A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her husband after claiming he accidentally fell on a small knife in their kitchen. Daryl Berman, 72, was found guilty of the murder of David Berman, 84, who suffered a fatal chest wound at their home on Butterstile Lane in Prestwich last year.
During two trials, Daryl Berman maintained that her husband’s death was accidental. However, she was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years at Minshull Street Crown Court. The Manchester Evening News reported that 192 days spent in custody would be deducted from her sentence.
The court heard that the couple had a loving and supportive 27-year marriage with no history of domestic violence. Despite this, Daryl Berman was found guilty of murder after a retrial as jurors in the first trial could not reach a verdict.
In sentencing, Judge Tina Landale noted that Daryl Berman had been caring towards her husband but had a change in behavior leading up to the incident. The court was told that Mr. Berman had been diagnosed with dementia and was in good health before his death.
Prosecutors highlighted unusual behavior by Daryl Berman following her husband’s death, with family members noting her lack of emotion. The court also heard conflicting accounts from Daryl Berman regarding the events leading to her husband’s fatal injury.
The prosecution argued that the fatal wound was not consistent with an accidental fall, leading to suspicions raised during the post-mortem examination. Daryl Berman was arrested on suspicion of murder and later found guilty, with the court accepting that her actions were not premeditated but a result of a domestic incident.
Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson from Greater Manchester Police expressed condolences to David Berman’s family and emphasized the tragic loss caused by someone he trusted. He stated that the sentencing provided a measure of justice and hoped it would help the family in their healing process.
