A mother-of-two was left with a broken neck after her abusive partner attacked her when she tried to end their relationship, a court has heard.
From Grief to a Nightmare
Trudi Burgess, 57, met Robert Easom, 56, around nine years ago, following the devastating loss of her husband and childhood sweetheart to brain cancer in 2016. Her children, Jackson, 27, and Gina, 28, described their parents' marriage as an "incredibly loving relationship".
They believe Easom, who was working as their sister's gardener at the time, deliberately targeted their mother when she was at her most vulnerable after being widowed for the first time in her adult life.
Jackson said: "He did what narcissists do - they find someone who is malleable, someone who is vulnerable, someone who is very kind and loving - and they sink their teeth in."
A Pattern of Control and Violence
What began as a new relationship quickly turned insidious. Easom became increasingly controlling, systematically isolating Trudi from her family and friends.
Her children watched in horror as their mother was pulled away from them. The abuse escalated over time, with Easom subjecting Trudi to constant degradation, yelling, and terrifying behaviour, including purposefully dangerous driving to scare her.
Unbeknownst to her family at the time, Trudi was documenting the physical and psychological abuse on her phone.
The Final, Brutal Attack
The situation reached a critical point on February 17, 2024, when Trudi attempted to break off the relationship. Easom flew into an "uncontrollable" rage.
During the horrific assault, he pressed on her head with such force that he snapped her neck. Trudi later recalled thinking she was "gonna die" and told Easom, "Oh my God, I can't feel anything in my body, you've ruined both our lives."
Easom then called 999, falsely claiming Trudi had simply fallen out of bed. She was rushed to hospital, where her children said she was mouthing "sorry" to them as doctors treated her.
Aftermath and the Fight for Justice
Nearly a year after the attack, Trudi Burgess remains in hospital receiving full-time care and is bedbound. Despite her severe injuries, she was able to participate in Easom's trial, giving evidence against him.
This year, following a trial, Robert Easom was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm. He now faces a substantial prison sentence.
Her family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover the costs of her ongoing care and recovery for when she is eventually able to return home.
