Key Takeaways
- Robert Easom, a 56-year-old landscape gardener, has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to his lover, Trudi Burgess, 57, after a jury deliberated for less than 27 minutes.
- Easom admitted to causing the injury, which left Ms. Burgess a tetraplegic, but denied intending to cause her serious harm.
- The couple had an eight-year relationship, during which Easom exhibited coercive and controlling behavior, including physical and emotional abuse.
- Ms. Burgess has been left paralyzed from the chest down and requires round-the-clock care.
- Easom will be sentenced in February and faces a maximum sentence of life in jail.
Introduction to the Case
A landscape gardener, Robert Easom, is facing life in jail after being found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to his lover, Trudi Burgess. The jury took less than 27 minutes to deliver the verdict, which has brought some sense of relief to Ms. Burgess and her family. However, the case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and abuse. Easom’s actions have left Ms. Burgess paralyzed from the chest down, requiring round-the-clock care and rehabilitation.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The attack occurred on February 17, 2023, when Easom flew into a rage after Ms. Burgess told him she was leaving him. He pinned her face down on his bed and placed his entire body weight on her neck, causing it to snap. Ms. Burgess described hearing her spine crack and feeling her body become numb immediately after the attack. She was left paralyzed from the chest down and has been undergoing rehabilitation at a specialist spinal injuries unit. The attack has had a profound impact on Ms. Burgess’s life, leaving her with constant pain and requiring her to rely on healthcare professionals for everyday tasks.
Easom’s History of Abuse
Easom’s behavior towards Ms. Burgess was not an isolated incident. The couple had an eight-year relationship, during which Easom exhibited coercive and controlling behavior, including physical and emotional abuse. Ms. Burgess logged the abuse in her mobile phone, describing how Easom eroded her self-esteem and trapped her in a cycle of abuse. He degraded her, pushed her against furniture, shouted at her, and drove dangerously to frighten her. The abuse escalated over time, with Easom becoming increasingly violent and controlling. Police described Easom as a "manipulative and controlling individual" with a "repulsive" attitude towards women.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial heard how Easom’s behavior towards Ms. Burgess was a classic example of coercive control. He pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behavior, as well as two counts of assault. However, he denied intending to cause Ms. Burgess serious harm, claiming he loved her and was "just trying to teach her a lesson." The jury saw through Easom’s excuses and delivered a guilty verdict, which has been welcomed by Ms. Burgess’s family and the police. Detective Constable Bethanie Kirk described Easom as a "bully" who poses a significant risk to women, and commended Ms. Burgess for her "incredible bravery" in speaking out against him.
The Impact on Ms. Burgess and Her Family
The attack has had a devastating impact on Ms. Burgess and her family. Her children, Gina and Jackson, are now fundraising for her ongoing care, which is expected to be costly and long-term. Ms. Burgess’s brother-in-law, Tim Bashall, spoke on behalf of the family, saying they were relieved the jury had delivered the right verdict, but there were "no winners" in the case. Ms. Burgess will never walk again and will require round-the-clock care for the rest of her life. The family is grateful that Ms. Burgess is still alive, but they are struggling to come to terms with the magnitude of her injuries and the impact it will have on their lives.
Conclusion and Sentencing
Easom will be sentenced in February, and faces a maximum sentence of life in jail. The judge warned Easom that Ms. Burgess plans to read her victim impact statement to the court during his sentencing hearing, which will reflect badly on him if he fails to turn up. The case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and abuse, and the importance of speaking out against it. Ms. Burgess’s bravery in speaking out against Easom has helped to bring him to justice, and her family is grateful for the support they have received from the police and the community.