A FATHER-of-five who suffered stab wounds following an alleged machete attack at an Ipswich pub today told how the incident had changed his life.

A FATHER-of-five who suffered stab wounds following an alleged machete attack at an Ipswich pub today told how the incident had changed his life.

Ipswich man David Nicholls had been enjoying an evening out with friends at The Grinning Rat in St Helen's Street on Friday evening when he was injured in a confrontation.

The 57-year-old, of Raeburn Road, was taken by ambulance to Ipswich Hospital, where he remained for three nights while medics treated lacerations to his head, nose, neck, arm and fingers.

Doctors also carried out an operation on Sunday to repair damaged bone in Mr Nicholls' wrist.

Back at home with his family, Mr Nicholls said: “This has changed my life completely.

“It's put my kids through hell.”

Mr Nicholls paid tribute to his friends and loved ones, who he said had helped him through the trauma of the episode.

“My family are all around me and when something like this happens, you realise how important they are.

“If it were not for my children, I would never be able to get through this.

“My friends and neighbours have all sent me cards and get well messages, too.

“I'm just so happy to be home with my family and my little dog.”

The incident took place at around 10.20pm, just ten minutes before Mr Nicholls was due to leave the pub in a cab he had booked at the start of the evening.

He said he visited The Grinning Rat occasionally to enjoy live music.

Mr Nicholls also issued a heartfelt message of thanks to the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated him.

“The hospital and ambulance staff cared for me brilliantly - they were fantastic, especially a nurse, who I think was from Bradford, who looked after me.

“They are excellent people. They even let my family stay with me for longer than they should have been, and let more of them in than they were supposed.

“I could not have had better treatment if I'd paid for it.”

Would you like to send a message of support to David Nicholls? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.

A 56-YEAR-OLD Ipswich man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of Mr Nicholls.

Trevor Lilley of Bader Close has been charged with attacking the 57-year-old with a machete.

Andrea Reynolds, prosecuting at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court said the alleged attack happened in the Grinning Rat public house beer garden on Friday at about 10.30pm.

Lilley, who appeared in court with his long hair tied back and wearing a white shirt and black suit, is also charged with causing actual bodily harm to Simon Watts on the night in question.

District Judge David Cooper remanded Lilley, whose family supported him in court, in custody.

He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on July 10 at 10am. No application for bail was made by Lilley's defence solicitor Dino Barricella.