“Violent Bully Jailed 16 Years for Paralyzing Partner with Broken Neck”
A violent and controlling bully has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for assaulting his partner, leading to her paralysis. Robert Easom, aged 57, a landscape gardener, was found guilty of breaking the neck of 57-year-old Trudi Burgess, a schoolteacher and former singer.
Details of the Assault
The court heard that the brutal attack occurred after Burgess attempted to leave Easom, with whom she endured eight years of coercive behavior. In a fit of rage, Easom pinned Burgess down and twisted her neck until it broke. This resulted in a complete spinal cord injury, leaving Burgess permanently paralyzed.
Verdict and Sentence
During a trial at Preston Crown Court, Easom denied intentions of causing grievous bodily harm. However, after just 27 minutes of jury deliberation in November, he was found guilty. Judge Altham stated that no sentence could truly reflect the harm committed against Burgess.
Impact on Victim
Burgess now suffers from tetraplegia. Her injuries necessitate continuous care, and she experiences persistent pain. Additionally, she can no longer walk, has lost the use of her hands, and has no control over basic bodily functions.
Emotional Toll
In a powerful victim impact statement delivered in court, Burgess described her shattered life and said she felt emotionally devastated. Burgess reported experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. She recounted feelings of being trapped and powerless in her situation.
Campaign of Abuse
The court revealed a history of abuse that included various forms of controlling behavior. Easom regularly verbally assaulted Burgess, belittling her and threatening her with violence. He demonstrated a severe and sudden change in personality, alternating between affectionate moments and violent outbursts.
- Forcing Burgess to clean up messes
- Physical aggressive actions, such as pushing and head-butting
- Driving recklessly to intimidate her
- Strangulation incidents, including one in York
Support and Fundraising
Following the incident, Burgess’s family has rallied to support her, initiating a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her ongoing care. As of now, they have raised £188,000 with the goal of ensuring her life is as stable and dignified as possible post-injury.
Easom is eligible for parole after serving 16 years. The painful aftermath of his violent actions has irrevocably altered Burgess’s life and left lasting scars on her family.
