Bury St Edmunds man jailed for 20 years for abuse offences
Andrew Burgis sentenced for multiple counts of abuse against one woman
A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to a total of 20 years after being convicted of six abuse offences against a woman.
Andrew Burgis, from Beetons Way, Bury St Edmunds, received his sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, 29th May.
The sentence comprises 16 years of imprisonment followed by an additional four years on licence.
Extended sentences are given to individuals convicted of serious violent or sexual offences when post-release supervision is necessary for public protection.
Details of the Case
Initially denying the charges, Burgis pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial to offences including two counts of intentional strangulation, controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating, assault causing grievous bodily harm, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
These offences pertained to a single victim.
During one incident, Burgis poured boiling water onto the victim's leg after an argument, causing severe burns and lasting scars.
He also strangled her into unconsciousness and later claimed she imagined the event.
On one occasion, he injured her face by pushing her into furniture.
Beyond physical assaults, Burgis often monitored the victim’s mobile phone, tracked her movements to and from work, and bombarded her with calls and messages.
Victim's Impact Statement
In a statement read in court, the victim shared how she lived under Burgis' control for four years, saying, “Being scared became a normal thing. He took those years away from me through mental and physical abuse."
She expressed determination to recover, noting that she was starting to understand happiness again after realising the manipulation she endured.
PC Grace Hayden, who led the investigation, described the case as involving sustained physical violence and coercive control.
Hayden praised the victim’s courage, stating, "I commend her for her strength in supporting the investigation, despite the trauma she experienced."
She emphasised the seriousness of strangulation, urging anyone experiencing such abuse to seek help.
Encouragement to Seek Help
Victims are encouraged to contact the police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690.
Support organisations can be found on the Suffolk Police website at https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations .
Further advice is available on the Suffolk Constabulary website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/ .