Man jailed for offences including stalking and voyeurism

A 30-year-old man from Stowmarket has been jailed for 40 months after admitting nine offences against another man.

Luke Jones, of Egret Drive, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 4 June for sentencing after admitting to the following offences:

• two counts of voyeurism
• non-fatal strangulation
• stalking
• making threats to kill
• assault by beating
• intimidation
• perverting the course of justice
• threatening to damage property

Police were called after Jones punched the victim during an argument in which he threatened to pour bleach in the fish tank. He then placed his hands around the victim’s throat and held him down using force.  

The victim told officers Jones had cameras around the property and had captured recordings and images that he did not consent to, including one that Jones had shared with a neighbour.

Following his arrest, Jones admitted to officers that he had a hidden camera and that he had installed cameras in his property for home security and to monitor his pets.

Police attended his address and seized the devices including cameras and a mobile phone. Examination of these showed video clips of the victim walking in the house whilst naked and going to the bathroom.

The court heard that when the victim became aware of some of the content Jones had captured and asked him to delete them, Jones refused.

Jones was re-arrested whilst on bail after he attempted to contact the victim via multiple means, including persistent telephone calls, leaving voice messages of a range of emotions, and via online social networks.

In addition to his sentence, Jones was also handed a restraining order which lasts until further notice and was ordered to sign the sex offender’s register.

Detective Sergeant Mark Beirne said: “Jones violated the victim’s right to privacy by recording him without his knowledge or consent, for his own sexual gratification. This was deeply invasive offending, which the victim described in his personal statement as humiliating.

“In addition to the recordings, photographs of the victim were also found on Jones’ phone, including 27 images of the victim sleeping.

“Jones is a manipulative man who attempted to intimidate the victim into withdrawing his complaint and persistently contacted him whilst on bail. His actions were to cause significant distress and fear.

“I would thank the victim for his courage in coming forward, which has enabled us to bring the offender to justice and ensure that others are protected from similar harm.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please 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/

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