Paralysed woman's courageous act when questioned by authorities on who horrifically snapped her neck
Trigger warning - this article discusses domestic abuse and violence
A mom who was left paralysed by her 'monster' partner made a truly courageous decision in the aftermath of her attack.
Trudi Burgess, 57, from the UK had been enduring eight years of controlling, coercive and violent abuse at the hands of her partner, Robert Easom.
In February last year, Burgess told Easom that she was leaving him, in which he responded by launching a vicious attack that left Burgess with a severed spinal cord and broken neck.
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In a victim impact statement read to the 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 called for an ambulance, claiming Burgess had an accident after falling out of bed.
Giving 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."
Easom had complained to Burgess that he would lose his jobs and his sons if the truth was revealed, but in a brave move, Burgess confirmed to emergency workers that it was Easom who had launched the attack, courageously nodding in response to their questions.
Sentencing, Judge Robert Altham KC, told Easom 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' two children, Gina and Jackson, have set up a GoFundMe for their mom, 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 jail, convicted by a jury 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 read 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.
Topics: News, UK News, Crime, Sex and Relationships
Lucy Devine