Woman paralysed by 'monster' won't let attack define her

This story contains details of physical and emotional abuse

A mother paralysed by her partner in a brutal attack has said she wants to help other domestic violence victims escape abusive relationships.

Trudi Burgess had her spinal cord severed by Robert Easom, 57, after she told him she was leaving him.

Easom, described as being a "Jekyll and Hyde monster", was jailed for 16 years after being convicted of wounding with intent.

Trudi said she was determined to "look forward" and the love in her life was "far greater" than her pain and injuries.

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Lancashire Police said Easom, of Chipping near Preston, had subjected Trudi to a "relentless eight-year campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour", as well as verbal and physical abuse.

Trudi said the attack left her "trapped in a broken body" and needing continuous care.

In a statement read by her brother Charlie outside Preston Crown Court, Trudi said: "What happened to me will always be a part of my life but it will not be the thing that defines the rest of it.

"From this point forward, I choose to look ahead with purpose, with strength, and the desire to make people aware of the signs of coercive, controlling behaviour and abuse.

"The love that I have in my life is far greater than any injury I have sustained or pain I will endure."

The former teacher said her children and grandchildren were "everything to me".

She added: "If my voice can help one woman leave before violence escalates, then something positive will come out of all of this."

Police said the attack was the "horrific climax" of their relationship.

Easom had previously admitted engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour between July 2017 and February 2025, as well as two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Trudi said Easom forced her to clean up spilled food, pushed her against furniture, shouted at her, drove dangerously to frighten her, and headbutted her.

Police said the abuse culminated in the attack in February 2025 when she told Easom their relationship was over.

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