Lowestoft - man jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour

A 45-year-old man has been jailed for more than three years for coercive and controlling behaviour and breach of a suspended sentence.

David Hawthorne of Lilac Drive in Lowestoft appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday 26 June 2024, where he was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment for coercive and controlling behaviour.

Hawthorne had originally denied the offence but changed his plea on the first day of trial on 16 April 2024.

He denied further charges including false imprisonment, intentional suffocation and threatening a person with a bladed article and these were left to lay on file.

The charges relate to one victim and occurred over a five-month period.

Hawthorne was also sentenced to 17 months’ imprisonment for the breach of a suspended sentence, for an unrelated assault charge in 2022, to be served consecutively, giving him a total of 38 months in jail.

DC 716 Leach, who was the investigating officer of this investigation, said: “Hawthorne displayed a sustained pattern of violent behaviour, with a complete disregard for the law.

“Experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour can be an incredibly lonely experience for the victim as their movements are controlled, making them feel trapped. They also suffer from the threat and fear of violence and injury, intimidation and lack of financial freedom.

We treat all reports of controlling or coercive behaviour seriously and have specialist safeguarding officers who will support victims and seek justice against perpetrators.

“Domestic abuse isn’t always physical and I would urge anyone who is victim of domestic abuse to contact police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690. Please don’t suffer in silence.”

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