Trigger warning – this article discusses domestic abuse and violence
A mum who was left paralysed after an alleged assault by her partner made a courageous choice in the immediate aftermath.
Trudi Burgess, 57, from the UK, had lived through years of controlling, coercive and violent behaviour, which she said came from her partner, Robert Easom.
In February last year, Burgess told Easom she intended to leave. She was then attacked in an incident that left her with a broken neck and a severed spinal cord.
In a victim impact statement read in court on Friday (February 27), Burgess said: “This crime has taken away everything I built, planned for and enjoyed.
“It has robbed me of my health, my independence, my ability to care for my family, my career, my freedom and my peace of mind.
“Each day is a physical, emotional and mental battle. This injury is permanent. I will never get back the life I had. I now live with constant pain, with limitations and heartbreak.
“My children and granddaughter have lost the mother and grandmother they once had.
“I am left learning to live a life I didn’t choose – and would not wish on anyone. This isn’t just a physical injury, it is the destruction of a life.”
On the day of the attack, Easom rang for an ambulance and claimed Burgess had been hurt in an accident, saying she had fallen out of bed.
In her evidence, Burgess said: “I felt my head was being folded into my body, my head completely into my chest and I felt it crack and I felt all feeling going out of my body.
“I thought I am dying. He is not stopping and he was shouting ‘I will shut you up, shut up, I will f***ing shut you up’; and he was pushing like a monster.”
Burgess told the court Easom then expressed concern about what would happen to him if the truth emerged, including the impact on his work and his relationship with his sons. Despite this, Burgess later confirmed to emergency workers that Easom had attacked her, reportedly responding to their questions by nodding.
Passing sentence, Judge Robert Altham KC said in court: “In the aftermath of the incident itself you were concerned only with yourself. You initially told the 999 operator that she had fallen from her bed.
“Once that call was over and you were waiting for the ambulance to arrive, she told you that this story would not stand up to scrutiny.
“You bemoaned the fact that, should you tell the truth, you would go to prison, lose contact with your sons and lose your business.
“Against that background and at a point of ultimate vulnerability, she agreed with you to say that the injury had been caused during affectionate play fighting.
“However, once at hospital and able to contemplate her true situation and removed from your malevolent influence she bravely resolved to tell the truth.”
Burgess’ children, Gina and Jackson, have launched a GoFundMe to support their mum, explaining that she has limited movement in her arms, no movement in her hands, and no movement from the chest down.
They explain: “Mum’s neck was broken in an attack inflicted on her by her partner – at the C4, C6 and C7 level – causing a complete spinal cord injury. Mum is now tetraplegic.
“She has limited movement in her arms, no movement in her hands, and no movement from the chest down. Her breathing is affected too.
“The last 10 months have been hellish. Mum spent three months in ICU on a ventilator, unable to breathe on her own, speak, or move. She was later transferred to the specialist spinal injuries unit, where she’s now spent seven months receiving round-the-clock care and working towards whatever independence she can regain.
“Mum’s needs going forward are a little overwhelming – which is why we’re (regrettably) asking for help.”
Easom was sentenced on Friday to 16 years in prison after a jury convicted him of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
“The pain doesn’t stop with me. The ripples of pain are felt by everyone who loves me and cares for me. I want the court to consider not just the brutality of the attack but the ongoing permanent consequences I now face,” Burgess said in her statement.
“I also want the court to be aware of my real concern for anyone getting involved with Robert in the future romantically or otherwise. He has a true Jekyll and Hyde personality.
“He could be a loving and attentive partner and then he could switch in a moment into a truly terrifying monster, restraining me, dragging me round the room, screaming threats at me. All of which were dismissed moments later.
“I am living proof of the devastating effects of his uncontrolled bursts of anger.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.