UPDATE: A man has been found guilty of paralyzing his former teacher during a horrific attack that left her with severe injuries. Robert Easom, 56, was convicted of Section 18 Assault after a trial revealed the brutal events that unfolded in February 2023 at his Lancashire home.
Trudi Burgess, 56, recounted her ordeal in court, describing how Easom transformed into a violent figure during their deteriorating relationship. Following a campaign of emotional and physical abuse, Burgess was left tetraplegic, paralyzed from the chest down after Easom attacked her while she attempted to end their relationship.
In her heart-wrenching testimony, Burgess shared chilling details of the abuse. She recorded voice notes documenting Easom’s coercive behavior, including instances where he would force her to clean up after him, threaten her during dangerous drives, and physically assault her. “He was like a monster,” she said, describing the moment he severed her spinal cord as she pleaded, “You are killing me.”
The jury learned that during the violent encounter, Easom accused Burgess of causing arguments and erupted in rage. She had tried to calm him by agreeing to stay but ultimately faced a brutal assault. As she described the terrifying moments, she recalled, “I heard a crack and had the feeling of all feeling going out of my body.”
After the assault, Easom forced Burgess to tell paramedics they were “playfighting” to avoid arrest. Now, she requires specialized care and suffers from neuropathic pain that affects her breathing.
Easom’s conviction comes as a relief to many, including Detective Constable Bethanie Kirk from the Burnley Vulnerable Adults Team, who stated, “Robert Easom is a manipulative and controlling individual… I commend the victim for her incredible bravery.”
Sentencing for Easom is scheduled for February 27, 2025, at Preston Crown Court. This case highlights the severe impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. Authorities are urging anyone in similar situations to reach out for support.
What happens next? As Burgess begins her journey towards recovery, her brave decision to share her story may inspire others to seek help and bring awareness to the issue of domestic abuse. This urgent case continues to resonate, reminding us of the critical need for vigilance and support for victims of violence.
