ICYMI: Former Beverly MMA Gym Owner Sentenced After Domestic Violence Convction

BEVERLY, MA — A former owner of a martial arts gym was sentenced following his conviction of brutally beating his former girlfriend over an 18-month period, reports the Salem News.

Joseph Louf, 40, was sentenced to 12 to 15 years in state prison Tuesday after he was found guilty of brutally beating and disfiguring his former girlfriend after just seven days of trial, reports the Salem News. Louf was convicted of of mayhem, assault with intent to maim, four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (belt, bottle opener, rubbing alcohol and scissors), assault and battery on a pregnant person, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, and assault and battery.

"With this verdict, the jury has assured the victim that she is not at fault nor did she deserve what happened to her," District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said in a statement after the conviction.

Louf was living in Salem at the time of his arrest.

According to the district attorney's office, the victim suffered two detached retinas that were a result of Louf kneeling on her eyes. The DA's office also found that Louf had broken the victim's nose numerous times, strangled her and picked her up by her hair.

The DA's office also added that when the victim finally went to her family for help, she was nearly unrecognizable to her own mother.

Read more from the Salem News here.

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