Man who controlled partner via video calls jailed

Nathan Staples admitted to several offences against his partner

A man who sexually abused and controlled his partner by making her video-call him has been jailed.

Nathan Staples, 38, of Haverhill, Suffolk, would persistently check his partner's phone and fight her if she refused to let him see it, as well as persistently contact her when she was out, police said.

Staples, of Rowan Close, admitted rape, sexual assault by penetration, and controlling and coercive behaviour and he has been jailed for 10 years and six months at Peterborough Crown Court.

Det Con Sam Flatt, of Suffolk Police, said the victim was subjected to "emotional, physical and sexual abuse" only a few months after she met Staples.

The abuser would make the victim account for her whereabouts and would insist she Facetimed him to show who she was with, police added.

He also made her share her location so he could track her and he demanded she send screenshots and photos of her surroundings.

Staples was arrested in November 2024.

He has also been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order as part of his sentence.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the victim, who despite being subject to some truly abhorrent controlling behaviour, found great courage in coming forward and reporting what happened," Det Con Flatt said.

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