A west Suffolk man has appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm after a 70-year-old from Ipswich was left critically injured during a burglary.

Colin Davey, of Springfield Road, Bury St Edmunds, was charged yesterday morning after a three-month investigation following the attack in Wilberforce Street.

The 31-year-old had originally been released on bail, pending further enquiries, following his arrest in January.

Davey returned to the police investigation centre at Suffolk Constabulary’s Martlesham Heath headquarters where he was formally charged with two offences.

Anne-Marie Breach, a spokeswoman for the force, said Davey is accused of burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, and also grievous bodily harm.

He made his first appearance on the charges before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich yesterday afternoon.

The allegations are so serious they can only be dealt with by a crown court.

Davey’s future hearings will be held at Ipswich Crown Court.

He was originally arrested after police had been called to a property in Wilberforce Street, Ipswich, at around 10.15am on Friday, January 22.

The injured 70-year-old was found on the floor at the address.

He sustained head and facial injuries.

He was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment.

Shortly after the incident police said his condition was critical but stable.

It was believed the assault occurred in the early hours of January 22, although officers could not give a definitive time.

However, they did appeal for information from anyone who might have seen anything suspicious in the area between midnight and 10.15am.