Man who left his partner paralysed after she told him she was leaving is jailed for 16 years

A man who left his partner paralysed in a "brutal assault" after she told him she was leaving him has been jailed.

Robert Easom, 57, was found guilty of wounding with intent, following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

He had previously admitted to engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour between 2017 and 2025 and two charges of actual bodily harm.

Lancashire Police said Easom waged a "relentless campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour" against his former partner, Trudi Burgess, including physical assault and verbal abuse.

When Ms Burgess told Easom she was leaving the relationship on 17 February 2025, he launched a "brutal assault" on her, severing her spinal cord and leaving her paralysed.

Ms Burgess, who now requires specialist care, documented Easom's abuse in the notes section of her phone.

Lancashire Police said Easom would subject her to a cycle of verbal and physical abuse followed by apologetic and affectionate behaviour.

In one incident in 2019, Easom dragged Ms Burgess upstairs by the head, banging her against each step.

In 2021, Easom placed a sheet over her head and strangled her, leaving her terrified for her life.

The next day, he claimed he was "just trying to teach her a lesson", police said.

Sentencing Easom at Preston Crown Court, Judge Robert Altham said: "No sentence I can pass upon you could begin to equal the harm that you have caused.

"I must pass the sentence which I consider to be just and lawful. But the fact remains that even with the lengthy sentence I am about to impose, you will have a prospect of a future which you have denied to your victim.

"This is not a case where a life sentence is called for, however I am satisfied that an extended determinate sentence is required in order to protect the public from you."

Easom was sentenced to 16 years in prison, followed by a four-year extended licence period, for wounding with intent, two charges of actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour.

In a statement read by her brother Charlie outside court, Ms Burgess said: "I believe today's sentence reflects the seriousness of the harm done and the lasting impact of this abuse.

"While it can't change what I've been through, it sends an important message that this kind of violence will be taken seriously.

"This, however, is not the end of my story. 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 injuries inflicted on me are life-changing. They have brought enormous challenges and every day I'm learning how to rebuild my life in ways I never expected. However, the love I have in my life is far greater than any injury I have sustained or any pain I will endure."

Ms Burgess' family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for her round-the-clock care. You can donate here.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man who left his partner paralysed after she told him she was leaving is jailed for 16 years