A homeless man who smashed the glass door of an Ipswich police station with the base of a traffic cone has admitted a string of offences including criminal damage, resisting a police officer and using threatening behaviour.
Thomas Jeffries, 36, of no fixed abode, appeared before Suffolk Magistrates' Court facing six offences committed in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Felixstowe.
The court heard that at around 2am on August 28, CCTV captured Jeffries walking to the front entrance of Princes Street Police Station in Ipswich carrying the base of a traffic cone.
He then threw the object at the glass door around nine times, causing it to smash.
When later spoken to by police, Jeffries remarked: "I did a little number to your doors, didn't I."
Ipswich Police and Fire station was closed after the incident (Image: Newsquest)
Jeffries admitted four counts of criminal damage, one offence of resisting a police sergeant in the execution of her duty and one charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Three of the offences were committed in Lowestoft on September 10.
The court heard Jeffries punched a business sign in the town centre, causing £234 worth of damage. Witnesses described him as "agitated, angry and aggressive".
Read more
Fan who fell onto Town supporters during cup tie cleared by jury
'I was lucky to be alive' - Former rough sleeper relives darkest chapter of her life
Jailed in Suffolk: drug dealer among those put behind bars this week
When officers attempted to arrest him, he resisted being handcuffed and used his body weight against them, requiring additional police assistance. A member of the public also helped restrain him.
The remaining criminal damage offences related to July 5, when Jeffries damaged multiple vehicles by striking them and pushing in wing mirrors. Police later found him at a bus stop opposite the Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe.
Thomas Jeffries appeared before Suffolk Magistrates' Court on October 19. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
The court heard Jeffries has 21 previous convictions, many for criminal damage offences.
The defending solicitor said Jeffries had not offended since 2018 and described him as "an intelligent man who is struggling with life".
He said Jeffries, who has a first-class honours degree, had been affected by mental health difficulties, homelessness and was currently claiming Universal Credit while looking to move into a caravan in Rendlesham.
A probation officer told the court: "It's all associated with his homelessness."
Magistrates ordered Jeffries to pay £774.85 in compensation relating to two of the criminal damage offences. No compensation order was made for the police station damage or one vehicle owner because no repair costs had been provided.
Addressing Jeffries, magistrates said: "We are keen to help you as much as we can but at the same time you continue to commit offences."
Share