A man has been remanded in custody for breaking the terms of his bail by contacting a former partner.  

Michael Armsden, of Davey Close, Ipswich, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The 67-year-old was alleged to have broken the terms of his bail previously set by the court, having been told not to contact his former partner by any means.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of stalking and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The court heard that Armsden’s former partner told that she had received a Christmas card with the picture of a white cat on Friday, December 22, which was signed ‘A small present for you, from anonymous’.

When she opened the envelope, a small package of cannabis fell out, the court heard.

The following day, she received five phone calls from a withheld number, which she alleged were made by Armsden.

She said she answered the fifth phone call and spoke to Armsden, who she alleges asked her if she had received his present and made reference to the picture of the cat on the front of the card. 

Armsden denied both charges, that of breaking the terms of his bail by sending a card to his ex-partner, and by telephoning her. 

The presiding magistrates judged that Armsden had broken the terms of his bail.

He will be remanded in custody until at least Wednesday, January 3, when he will appear at the court via video link for a bail application. 

The trial continues.