'Bully left partner paralysed in horrific attack'

Robert Easom is a "manipulative individual with a warped sense of entitlement and repulsive views towards women", says Det Con Bethanie Kirk

A "violent and controlling bully" severed his partner's spinal cord in a brutal attack, leaving her paralysed, after she said she was leaving him.

Lancashire Police also said Robert Easom subjected her to a "relentless eight-year campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour", as well verbal and physical abuse.

The force said the "horrific climax" came on 17 February when the woman, who had noted all of the abuse she had suffered on her phone, was attacked and left needing continuous specialist care.

Easom, 56, of Chipping, near Preston, was convicted of Section 18 wounding with intent after a trial at Preston Crown Court. He will be sentenced in February.

This story contains details of physical and emotional abuse. A range of advice and support can be found on the BBC Action Line

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.

Throughout the relationship, police said the victim - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - had documented the abuse in the notes section of her mobile phone.

As well as the serious physical assaults, she described what she called "low-level events" that became normalised - living in a cycle in which Easom would be verbally or physically abusive then apologetic and affectionate.

Examples included forcing her to clean up spilled food, pushing her against furniture, shouting at her, driving dangerously to frighten her, and headbutting her.

'Cycle of abuse'

About seven months into their relationship, during a trip to York, police said Easom "switched" into a rage.

He dragged her around a bathroom and threatened her, quoting a line from Rambo: "Don't push or I'll give you a war."

When she tried to leave, police said he begged her to stay and appeared to show remorse.

In another incident in 2019, the force said Easom violently grabbed her glass of wine and shouted before dragging her upstairs by the head, banging it against each step.

In 2021, again in York, he placed a sheet over her head and strangled her, leaving her terrified for her life.

The next day, he dismissed the attack, claiming he was "just trying to teach her a lesson".

Police said despite knowing she needed to leave, the victim became trapped in a cycle of abuse.

Whenever she tried to leave, Easom would belittle her, saying she was "useless" and could not cope without him.

Over time, police said her self-esteem was eroded, leaving her confused and broken.

She continued to record her notes as a way of making sense of what was happening.

Police said the abuse culminated in February when the woman told Easom their relationship was over.

'Repulsive'

Detective Constable Bethanie Kirk said Easom's "abhorrent conduct [was there] for all to see".

She described him as a "manipulative and controlling individual with a warped sense of entitlement and repulsive views towards women.

"He poses a significant risk due to his violent and abusive behaviour."

She commended the victim for her "incredible bravery" in coming forward.

"His cowardly and sustained abuse has had a profound and lasting impact on her life and her loved ones.

"I hope she can now begin rebuilding her life, free from his control."

Easom, formerly of Longridge Road in Chipping, will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 27 February.

Lancashire Police urged anyone in a relationship to contact them if "something doesn't feel right".

Reports can be made on the force's online portal, or by phone on 101. In an emergency, people are asked to dial 999.

For help and support regarding domestic violence, police suggested searching online for #noexcuseforabuse.