Ipswich man accused of arson and attempted murder faces trial

Samuel Huggins, 55, of Station Street, Ipswich, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court charged with attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, arson, and threatening a person with a bladed article.

While Huggins admits to starting the fire he denies all the charges against him.

Police cars outside the flat in Station Street, Ipswich. (Image: Jude Holden)

Jurors heard evidence from psychiatrist Dr Boris Iankov, who was brought forward by the prosecution as a witness.

Dr Iankov, who specialises in criminal psychiatry and has worked across almost 60 prisons, told the court he had reviewed police body-worn video footage, medical records and interviewed Huggins in prison.

Despite the defence's suggestion that Huggins may have been under the influence of the synthetic cannabinoid drug 'spice', Dr Iankov said he did not see evidence of spice-induced intoxication.

He said spice can contain numerous chemicals, including rat poison and household cleaners, and frequently leaves users in a "zombie-like state" where they are unable to move or communicate.

Boris Iankov, consultant psychiatrist (Image: Expert Court Reports)

However, after reviewing footage from Huggins' arrest on June 26, the psychiatrist said Huggins appeared fully aware of the situation, noting there were "no abnormal movements" and "no evidence he was confused or drowsy".

The psychiatrist also said there was no evidence of Huggins being in a state of psychosis.

He told the jury the footage began with Huggins telling arresting officer PC Brown: "I stabbed him."

"Mr Huggins is aware of what he's done. He informs the officer in a matter-of-fact way," Dr Iankov said.

The expert said this was not consistent with psychosis and added that psychotic episodes do not suddenly disappear.

Dr Iankov said Huggins told him he had spent the night drinking and had started the fire with the intention of taking his own life by smoke inhalation because he felt he had "no-one in the world".

The psychiatrist said Huggins told him he had brought the knife to see his neighbour "just in case there was an altercation".

After the stabbing, the defendant helped the victim and asked him to contact the emergency services because his phone was inside the burning flat.

The defence told the court they were not suggesting Huggins was psychotic or completely incapacitated, but argued alcohol and drugs may have intoxicated him.

The trial continues.