Sarah Magill prosecutes high-profile domestic violence case

Sarah Magill prosecuted a case that continues to draw significant media interest.  In February 2025 Robert Easom deliberately broke the neck of his partner Trudi Burgess, rendering her tetraplegic.  That violent act followed years of violent domestic abuse, culminating in the defendant being convicted of s.18 GBH, controlling and coercive behaviour and two s.47 ABH counts.  Denying having any intention to break her neck, the defendant had a trial but was convicted within 27 minutes.  Sarah guided the prosecution from point of charge, selected the charges and advised the police team to record Ms. Burgess’ Achieving Best Evidence video interview while she was still in ICU on a tracheal ventilator.  That evidence proved compelling in court. This was a difficult, serious case and Sarah was reliant on an exceptional prosecution and policing team as well as the logistical expertise of the Preston Crown Court court staff who enabled Ms. Burgess to give her evidence as she wished.  Sarah was instructed by Alison Wolstenholme of the CPS.