Abigail Steggles, a 33-year-old cosmetic surgery worker from Tamworth, has been handed a 12-month community order at Stafford Crown Court after pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour and criminal damage. The sentence includes 60 hours of unpaid work and five rehabilitation days.
Controlling behaviour detailed in court
Prosecutors said Steggles dictated how money could be spent, deleted telephone numbers and blocked people from contacting her partner. The court also heard of an incident where a measuring tape was thrown.
A victim impact statement revealed the man felt "uncomfortable" and embarrassed. The prosecutor noted: "As a man and father, who works in a heavily male-dominated environment, it was a time of his life in which he was badly affected," adding that his "mental health suffered".
Judge's remarks on the offences
Judge John Edwards said the offences were "extremely stale" but "still unpleasant for your partner because he was belittled in quite an unpleasant way". He noted Steggles was "of good character" and self-employed in the cosmetic surgery business.
Steggles, of John Street in Glascote, changed her pleas on the first day of trial on July 10. She was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work and five rehabilitation days.
Impact on the victim
The court heard that the victim's mental health suffered as a result of the behaviour. The prosecutor highlighted the impact on the man, who works in a male-dominated environment and felt embarrassed by the situation.
The community order requires Steggles to complete the unpaid work and rehabilitation sessions as part of her sentence. The case was heard at Stafford Crown Court.
