Ex-Olympian’s wife ‘feared he would kill her’

Ex-Olympian's wife 'feared he would kill her'

Ex Olympian s wife feared he would - Curtis Robb, a former Olympic athlete and orthopaedic surgeon, is facing allegations of prolonged control and coercive behavior in his marriage to Sarah Robb, a general practitioner. During a trial at Chester Crown Court, the 54-year-old defendant has denied all charges, including suffocation and physical violence, which his wife claims she endured over more than two decades of their relationship. The case has revealed a pattern of emotional and psychological abuse, with Sarah asserting that she felt her life was in imminent danger unless she left the marriage.

Allegations of Control and Coercion

The prosecution has outlined a series of incidents spanning from December 2015 to August 2023, during which Robb allegedly subjected Sarah to persistent criticism, verbal attacks, and threats. These behaviors, which the court described as "controlling and coercive," included instances where he physically assaulted her, calling her names such as "a manipulative bitch" and "neurotic." According to the evidence presented, Sarah described learning to suppress her emotions to avoid consequences, often staying silent even as she felt the weight of his dominance.

"During previous incidents of violence, he convinced her that the abuse was her fault, that she deserved it, and that no one would believe her," said Prosecutor Paulinus Barnes. "Over time, she became conditioned to not react, not show anger, and not challenge his actions."

Incidents of Physical Abuse

Among the most harrowing allegations is an attack that occurred during an Easter holiday in 2023 in the Lake District. The court heard that after an argument in their room, Sarah claimed Robb launched an unprovoked assault by pressing a pillow over her face. She remains uncertain about the exact duration of the incident but described the sensation of suffocating under his grip. This moment, she said, marked a turning point in her decision to seek help, with her eventual statement to police capturing the gravity of her fear: "It was rock bottom because I knew then I had to leave, if I didn't leave I was going to end up dead."

"She does not know how long he held it there, but she remembers that she was starting to feel like she couldn't breathe," Barnes explained. "This moment crystallized her realization that her life was in danger unless she took action."

A History of Assault

The prosecution detailed a history of physical aggression, including two specific incidents during Sarah's pregnancies. One involved Robb striking her on the arm, leaving visible bruises, while another occurred while he was driving, during which he punched her on the arm and side. These attacks, according to Sarah, were part of a broader pattern of behavior that targeted her confidence and autonomy. She described how Robb frequently undermined her role as a GP, suggesting she was incapable of managing her career.

"She recounted how he would belittle her professional achievements, telling her she could not cope as a mother and that her medical work was secondary," Barnes said. "This mindset fueled his actions, making her feel powerless in both her personal and professional life."

The Couple's Background

Curtis Robb, who competed for Great Britain in the 800 metres at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, has built a career as a surgeon. Sarah, a medical professional herself, has been his wife for over 22 years and has three children with him. Despite their shared profession and seemingly stable union, the trial has exposed a tumultuous relationship marked by years of emotional manipulation and physical intimidation.

"On the surface, they seemed like a happy and successful couple, but the dark side of their bond was evident in the way Curtis treated Sarah," Barnes stated. "He thrived on controlling her, and she learned to endure his cruelty to protect herself and her children."

Defense Arguments

Robb's defense has contested the severity of the allegations, arguing that the incidents were not as he described. During his testimony, he acknowledged that there had been an argument during the Easter 2023 holiday but denied that he had suffocated Sarah by holding the pillow over her face. Instead, he claimed that the attack was a result of a spontaneous moment of frustration, not a premeditated act of violence.

"He accepted that there was an argument but insisted the pillow was merely thrown at her, not used to restrict her breathing," the defense stated. "Sarah's account of suffocation is exaggerated, and she is now seeking to frame Curtis as a murderer."

Impact on Sarah's Life

According to the evidence, Sarah's relationship with Robb has had a profound psychological impact. She described feeling isolated and afraid, with her confidence eroded by years of criticism and belittlement. The court heard that she had internalized the abuse, believing it was her fault and that she would never be believed if she spoke out. This sense of helplessness led her to remain in the marriage for years, even as the abuse escalated.

"She felt trapped in a cycle where her every action was scrutinized, and her emotions were used against her," Barnes noted. "It was only during the 2023 incident that she finally found the courage to report what had been happening."

Continuing the Trial

The trial is ongoing, with the court continuing to assess the evidence presented by both sides. While the prosecution has painted a picture of a man who systematically undermined his wife's autonomy, Robb's defense is challenging the credibility of these claims. Witnesses and medical records will likely play a crucial role in determining whether the allegations of control and suffocation are substantiated. As the case progresses, the jury will weigh the testimonies of the couple, their shared history, and the emotional toll of the abuse on Sarah's life. The trial has become a focal point for discussions about domestic violence and its often hidden nature within seemingly stable relationships.

With the court now considering the evidence, the outcome could set a precedent for cases involving long-term abuse by individuals who have built successful careers. The story of Curtis and Sarah Robb highlights the complexities of domestic relationships and the courage it takes for a victim to come forward after years of enduring silence. As the trial continues, the public will be watching closely to see how the narrative unfolds and what it reveals about the nature of control and coercion in marriage.