A Saint-Paul man has been sentenced to five years in prison in connection with a week-long assault of a woman last summer, which the judge described as "brutal, cruel and degrading."

David Beaulieu was sentenced in Moncton's Court of Queen's Bench on Thursday. (CBC) David Beaulieu, 40, pleaded guilty on Jan. 14 to assault causing bodily harm between Aug. 9 and 19.

He had initially been charged with unlawful confinement and aggravated assault.

Beaulieu's victim, who can't be identified due to a publication ban, testified that Beaulieu burned, hit and kicked her, threw hot water at her, ripped her hair out and shoved feces and garbage in her face.

Moncton Court of Queen's Bench Justice Stephen McNally said the 34-year-old woman's numerous injuries were "significant, severe and painful."

The photos of her injuries, which were submitted to the court as evidence, were "extremely disturbing," McNally said during sentencing on Thursday.

Assault causing bodily harm carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

1-year credit for time served

The judge sentenced Beaulieu to five years, but gave him one year of credit for the time he has already spent in custody since his arrest in August.

Beaulieu showed no emotion as the sentence was read.

His victim was hugged by several supporters after the sentence was handed down.

Crown prosecutor Marc Savoie had recommended a five-year sentence, arguing the assaults were "close to torture," and stressing the severity of the attacks over several days.

Defence lawyer Robert Rideout had requested a conditional sentence and time already served.

RCMP previously said they had received a tip on Aug. 19 that a man was driving around with an injured woman in the back of his van.

Later that afternoon, the police located the suspect vehicle on Regis Street in Dieppe and conducted a traffic stop.

The driver co-operated with the police and opened the back of the van, where police found an injured woman, who was taken to hospital.