A DEPRESSED Ipswich man who left police a "telephone message of menacing character" has been been given a conditional discharge by magistrates.Ronald Coleman, 52, of London Road, admitted making the phone call in which he threatened to kill his neighbour on August 17.

A DEPRESSED Ipswich man with an alcohol problem who left police a "telephone message of menacing character" has been given a conditional discharge by magistrates.

Ronald Coleman, 52, of London Road, admitted making the phone call in which he threatened to kill his neighbour on August 17.

But, after hearing how Coleman had fallen into bouts of depression in recent years and was receiving counselling for his condition, South East Suffolk magistrates decided a conditional discharge would be the most appropriate action.

The court heard that Coleman had phoned the Suffolk police headquarters in Martlesham at 8.57pm on August 17 and said he was a dangerous man with a knife and he was going to kill his neighbour.

Police went to his address and found him drunk on his bed with a large knife.

They found other weapons at the address including a sword and three handguns.

Tim Ridyard, for Coleman, said: "In essence this is a watershed incident. To put it into context he is very ashamed about the incident and has curbed his alcohol problem since the incident."

Mr Ridyard said Coleman has been a successful salesman who suffered from moderate depression and moderate drinking until his wife left him four years ago.

Since then, his depression had become worse and the incident in August was, according to Mr Ridyard, caused because he was living in bed-sit accommodation.

He pleaded guilty, for which he was given credit by magistrates and was conditionally discharged for twelve months.

He must also pay £30 in costs.