Robert Easom, 57, a controlling bully, severely injured his girlfriend, Trudi Burgess, leaving her paralyzed after a violent attack. Easom tried to deceive ambulance operators by claiming that Burgess had fallen out of bed. Easom, described as a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ character, was sentenced to 16 years in prison at Preston Crown Court and also received a four-year extended license period. Burgess, 57, had documented the abuse on her phone, detailing a pattern of verbal and physical abuse followed by apologies from Easom.

The assault, which occurred after Burgess informed Easom of her decision to leave him on February 17 last year, resulted in her spinal cord being severed. Despite Easom’s initial false claim to the ambulance service, Burgess’s injuries were serious, leading to permanent paralysis. In her court statement, Burgess expressed the devastating impact the attack had on her life, health, and relationships, emphasizing the ongoing pain and limitations she now faces.

Easom was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, as well as engaging in coercive and controlling behavior and two counts of actual bodily harm. Burgess vividly described the brutality of the attack during her testimony, highlighting the fear and pain she endured at Easom’s hands. The court recognized Burgess’s courage in speaking out against her abuser, ensuring that Easom faced the consequences of his actions.

Alison Wolstenholme from the Crown Prosecution Service commended Burgess for her strength throughout the legal proceedings, enabling a robust case against Easom. Detective Constable Bethanie Kirk of Lancashire Constabulary condemned Easom as a manipulative and cowardly individual with harmful views towards women, acknowledging the severity of his actions that could have resulted in Burgess’s death.

Speaking on behalf of Burgess outside the court, her brother Charlie emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs of abuse and raising awareness about coercive control. Charlie expressed his commitment to supporting other women facing similar situations and encouraged those in fear or uncertainty to seek help. He highlighted the National Domestic Abuse Helpline as a resource for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, reinforcing the message that no one should endure such harm alone.