The 999 call began with a lie. Robert Easom told the operator his former partner, Trudi Burgess, had simply fallen from the bed. It was a desperate attempt to conceal the horrifying truth of what he’d done, a truth that would soon shatter both their lives.
But in the sterile environment of the hospital, as medical professionals worked to assess the extent of her injuries, Trudi found a reserve of courage she didn’t know she possessed. When asked if Easom had hurt her, she nodded. That single gesture broke the carefully constructed facade and set in motion a pursuit of justice.
The attack itself was brutal in its simplicity. While Trudi was kneeling, Easom had placed his hands on her head and pushed down with overwhelming force. The result was devastating: paralysis from the chest downwards, a life irrevocably altered in a single, horrific moment.
Judge Robert Altham KC, during sentencing at Preston Crown Court, condemned Easom’s immediate self-preservation. He highlighted how Easom’s initial concern was not for Trudi’s well-being, but for his own potential consequences – prison, the loss of his sons, the collapse of his business.
Easom had attempted to manipulate Trudi into supporting his false narrative, preying on her vulnerability. He’d suggested a story of playful roughhousing, a desperate plea for her silence. But the hospital offered a sanctuary, a space where she could reclaim her voice and reveal the truth.
Trudi Burgess’s victim impact statement was a raw and heartbreaking account of loss. She spoke of a life stolen – her health, independence, career, and the simple joy of caring for her family. Each day, she described, was a relentless battle against physical pain, emotional trauma, and the crushing weight of permanent limitations.
Her words extended beyond her own suffering, acknowledging the pain inflicted upon her children and granddaughter. “I am left learning to live a life I didn’t choose – and would not wish on anyone,” she stated, encapsulating the profound and irreversible damage caused by Easom’s violence.
Easom was ultimately convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and sentenced to 16 years in prison, with an extended four-year license period. The jury had also found him guilty of coercive and controlling behavior spanning years, alongside two prior offenses of actual bodily harm.
Beyond the courtroom, Trudi’s brother, Charlie, spoke of her determination to transform her pain into purpose. She vowed to help others recognize the subtle signs of abuse, to raise awareness about coercive control, and to empower women to leave dangerous relationships before violence escalates.
“Domestic abuse rarely begins with physical violence,” Charlie explained, emphasizing the insidious nature of manipulation and the erosion of self-worth. Trudi’s story serves as a stark warning and a beacon of hope for those trapped in similar circumstances.
Law enforcement officials described Easom as a manipulative and cowardly individual, highlighting the reckless nature of his actions and the potential for a far more tragic outcome. His case underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and the importance of holding abusers accountable.
Trudi Burgess’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story of unimaginable pain, but also of unwavering courage, and a powerful call for change – a demand that we recognize, address, and ultimately prevent the cycle of violence against women.
