Man from Stowmarket jailed for controlling or coercive behaviour
44-year-old Steven Platt has also been given an indefinite restraining order
Last updated 11th Dec 2025
A 44-year-old man from Stowmarket has been jailed after pleading guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour.
Steven Platt, of no fixed abode but from the Stowmarket area, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 8 December where he was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.
Suffolk Police says further charges of criminal damage and assault by beating were left to lay on file, and the offences related to one woman.
The court heard that over a period of approximately 18 months Platt made repeated unwanted contact to the victim, sending threatening and abusive messages and emails via numerous platforms and calling her from withheld numbers.
At the peak of escalated behaviour, it was told that the victim could receive approximately 70 emails in a day from Platt and further contact from various channels. Contact ranged from abusive and threatening, to affectionate, whilst also threatening his own welfare.
Platt was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order.
In her Victim Personal Statement, the victim said: “I live in a constant state of anxiety, worry and self-doubt, and I lost so much of who I was. I feel like a shadow of the person I once was, and it scares me I’ll never truly get the old version of me back. The control and manipulation I experienced caused me to lose trust in my own judgement and isolate myself from family and friends and the things that used to mean so much to me.”
Investigating officer Detective Constable Shannon Cameron said: “Platt subjected the victim to persistent harassment and intimidation, leaving her feeling fearful and isolated.
“His use of derogatory language and threats to harm both her and himself highlight a dangerous pattern of behaviour.
“This case highlights the significant danger posed by individuals who attempt to dominate and manipulate others through violence and psychological control.
"Protecting victims and addressing this type of abuse remains a priority for Suffolk Constabulary and we urge anyone experiencing similar behaviour to come forward and report it.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are being told to 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/