A man has been jailed after attacking his partner with a frying pan leaving her in a coma for six days.

Sebastian Birzu and the victim were living together in a flat in Heath Street in Dartford when he beat her with the cast-iron utensil.

He alerted a relative who came to the flat along with ambulance crews and police claiming the woman had fallen and banged her head on a radiator.

The woman was taken to hospital with multiple skull fractures after the attack on March 19.

The 23-year-old had left the scene by the time officers arrived but was arrested the next day at a property in Greenwich.

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

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

Det Insp 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.

"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."