Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Preston Jury Hears 999 Call as Teacher Describes Neck-Breaking Attack

Jurors will weigh whether Robert Easom meant to cause very serious harm.

Overview

  • Trudi Burgess gave evidence via video link, telling the court she thought she was going to die as her head was forced chin-to-chest and she felt her neck crack.
  • Audio of the 999 call was played, with Easom telling the handler she had fallen from a bed and describing the incident to relatives as a "frolic" that went wrong.
  • Easom admits causing the injury but denies intending grievous bodily harm, leaving the question of intent for the jury at Preston Crown Court.
  • Prosecutors say an orthopaedic expert will testify the neck injuries seen on scans are inconsistent with a fall from bed and more typical of a much higher-force event.
  • Burgess was left tetraplegic and requires round-the-clock specialist care; the court heard Easom has already pleaded guilty to earlier assaults in 2021 and January.