Man sent blank ammunition rounds to his ex-partner in campaign of controlling abuse

Police say that Martin Plaice (50) put two blank ammunition rounds in an envelope addressed to the victim and her new partner and left it on her doorstep.

Cambridgeshire police say the action happened as he became increasingly threatening and violent towards his former partner after the couple split up in March 2025.

Plaice, of Thurlands Drove, Upwell, near Wisbech, was jailed for two years and four months at Peterborough Crown Court on July 2 after admitting engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.

A police spokesperson said: “Although bail conditions from a previous arrest, preventing him from visiting or contacting her, Plaice had repeatedly turned up at the victim’s home and accused her of having a relationship with another man.

“Plaice then bombarded the victim with unwanted phone calls and text messages, in which he threatened her and called her derogatory names.

“Plaice also contacted the victim’s mum, demanding she end her daughter’s new relationship.

“Plaice posted hostile messages on social media about her and in an email told the victim she would be lucky if she made it to 2026.

“On December 31, Plaice put two blank ammunition rounds in an envelope addressed to the victim and her new partner and left it on her doorstep."

Afterwards, DC Jake Boreham-Dennis, who investigated, said: “Plaice is a jealous and controlling individual who made the victim’s life hell, leaving her fearing for her life.

“His manipulation tactics, including leaving a round of blank ammunition on her doorstep, is intimidating and disturbing, so I am pleased he has been brought to justice.

“Coercive control is a criminal offence, and we take all reports of it very seriously.

“We would strongly urge anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to contact police or call the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.”