‘Controlling and coercive’ man jailed for murdering partner at railway station

A “controlling and coercive” man has been jailed for life for murdering his 19-year-old partner at a railway station.

Jason Flore, 26, was found guilty following a trial at Hove Crown Court of the murder of Stephanie Marie at Crawley railway station in West Sussex on August 18 last year.

Flore was sentenced on Thursday by the same court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years, according to British Transport Police.

A trial heard that police were called at around 7.05am on August 18 after Flore was witnessed arguing with Ms Marie in the railway station car park by a person on the overbridge.

Flore, of no fixed address, was described as being very aggressive and waving his hands at Ms Marie, who was undressed from the waist down, visibly upset and distressed.

A separate emergency call was made at 7.18am reporting that Ms Marie had been stabbed, with emergency services attending and finding her with a stab wound to the chest.

The caller stated that Ms Marie was not breathing but they needed to leave for their train, with the number later being confirmed to belong to Flore, according to British Transport Police.

Ms Marie was pronounced dead by paramedics around an hour later.

Flore was seen by a witness walking away from the station car park with his dog.

After being stopped by armed officers from Sussex Police at 8am near Haslett Avenue East, heading towards Three Bridges railway station, Flore told officers: “She did it to herself.”

British Transport Police senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Sam Blackburn said: “Stephanie was a young woman with a whole life ahead of her to enjoy, but had it stolen away by a controlling and coercive partner.

“She was a much-loved daughter, sister, and mother who enjoyed sports, music – especially playing guitar – and had ambitions to be a hairdresser.

“This outcome is the result of countless hours of investigation and I thank everyone who has contributed to ensuring Stephanie’s killer has been held accountable for what he did today.

“It is important that we remember her name today instead of his.

“While today’s verdict will never replace the tragic loss felt by those who loved Stephanie, it has ensured that justice has been served.”

Mr Blackburn said he hoped the sentence would help Ms Marie’s family “find some peace after such a devastating loss”.

Published: 20/02/2025 by Radio NewsHub