Main jailed for life for killing partner

A MAN who had spent the day drinking before brutally beating his partner to death in a park has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mariusz Jan Bernadek, 43, will serve at least 13 years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Marzena Karbowniak.

Ms Karbowniak, 42, was found dead next to a footpath in Water Meadows, Thetford, on September 15 with seven broken ribs, 86 bruises including two black eyes and internal injuries including a lacerated liver.

The Norwich Crown Court trial had had heard how she was out drinking with Bernadek, who was described as an “alcoholic”, and three other friends the day before her death and at least three bottles of vodka had been consumed between the five of them.

The couple, who were both Polish nationals and were living in a tent after being thrown out of their rented house, had a volatile relationship and were both heavy drinkers.

Bernadek, who denied murder was told by Judge Peter Jacobs said: “I have no doubt there was a genuine affection between you and you have genuine regret for the state you have got yourself in and the fact that you killed her and you have to live with that.

“She sustained injuries that can be as grave or even more grave than a single use of a weapon such as a knife. One can only imagine the agony she went through as she died.”

It is believed Bernadek was three and a half times over the legal limit when he killed Ms Karbowniak.

During the trial, Stephen Spence, prosecuting, said the couple were both heavy drinkers and Bernadek had a history of violence towards his partners.

Bernadek had told police in interview that he had no involvement in Ms Karbowniak's death and he described her as his future wife.

Ms Karbowniak's, who was a mother, had initially moved to England in 2006 to get work.

The jury took about three hours to find Bernadek guilty of murder.