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The wife of a former Olympic athlete and medical professional revealed to a jury that she feared for her life if she remained in their marriage. The woman, a general practitioner, expressed concerns that she might “end up dead” unless she left the relationship. This testimony emerged during a trial at Chester Crown Court involving Curtis Robb, a 54-year-old former athlete and surgeon.
Robb, who represented Great Britain in the 800 metres during the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, faces accusations of repeatedly or continuously engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his wife, Sarah Robb, spanning from December 2015 until August 2023. The allegations also include physical assault, threats, verbal abuse, and constant criticism. However, Robb denies all the charges made against him.
Prosecutor Paulinus Barnes outlined to the court that the couple, both medical practitioners, had been together for over 22 years and raised three children. Despite appearing outwardly successful and happy, Barnes described a hidden, darker side to their relationship. He said Curtis Robb was allegedly cruel and physically violent, with tensions climaxing during a family holiday in the Lake District at Easter 2023. It was only in October of that year that Sarah Robb reported the abuse to police, following an incident where Robb is accused of forcibly holding a pillow over her face during an unprovoked attack.
Sarah Robb recounted feeling unable to breathe during this frightening event, which marked a turning point for her. She told police, “It was rock bottom because I knew then I had to leave, if I didn’t leave I was going to end up dead.” The defendant, who resides in Northwich, Cheshire, stands accused not only of controlling and coercive behaviour but also suffocation. The prosecution also revealed a history of physical assaults, including two specific episodes during Sarah’s pregnancy with their third child, where she was struck, leaving visible bruises. Throughout the marriage, she was subjected to harsh verbal abuse, including being called “a manipulative bitch” and “neurotic,” and was belittled both as a mother and as a GP.
According to the prosecution, Sarah learned over time to suppress her emotions to avoid provoking further abuse, with previous violent episodes leading her to believe she was at fault. Robb, in his defence, claimed that Sarah was the controlling partner and admitted to throwing a pillow during the 2023 Easter holiday argument but strongly denied placing the pillow over her face
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