Controlling and abusive man jailed for multiple offences against a woman

A 45-year-old man has been jailed after being convicted of six abuse offences against a woman.

Andrew Burgis, of Beetons Way in Bury St Edmunds, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 29 May where he was handed an extended sentence totalling 20 years, made up of 16 years’ imprisonment and a further four years on licence.

Extended sentences are handed to those who are convicted of serious violent or sexual offences, where an additional period of post-release supervision is required to protect the public.

Burgis had initially denied the charges against him but pleaded guilty on the second day of trial to:

• two counts of intentional strangulation
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• assault by beating
• assault causing grievous bodily ham
• assault causing actual bodily harm

The offences related to one woman.

The court heard that during one incident, Burgis poured boiling water onto the victim’s leg following an argument. This resulted in severe burns and lasting scarring. He also strangled her to the point of unconsciousness, later telling her that she imagined the incident, and on another occasion injured her face after pushing her into furniture.

In addition to the physical assaults, Burgis would frequently look through the victim’s mobile phone, accompany her to and from work in order to track her movements, and would call her and message her continuously.

In her personal statement which was read out in court, the victim said: “I spent four years living my life how he thought was best for me, not how I would have done things. Being scared became a normal thing. He took those years away from me through mental and physical abuse, which is why I am the way I am every day, and nothing can change that now.

“But I’ve learnt I have to move on, and now I’ve had time to see things for myself and build myself back up, I’m realising how to be happy again and how unhappy my life had become. The things I was made to believe were all manipulation from him, and what I believed wasn’t real.”

PC Grace Hayden, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: “This was a deeply distressing case involving sustained physical violence and coercive control.

“Burgis initially denied any wrongdoing before changing his plea. This was another form of control over the victim, to prolong proceedings and force her to relive traumatic experiences.

“In her victim statement, she described fearing fear for her life and I commend her for her strength in supporting the investigation, despite the trauma she experienced.

“Strangulation is a clear warning that violence is escalating, and I would urge anyone who is experiencing this level of abuse to seek help.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. Victims are encouraged to contact police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690.

A list of support organisations can also be found here https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/

Further support and advice can be found on the Suffolk Constabulary website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/