Two men charged in connection with an attack on a homeless man, left with stab wounds to the torso and a vital organ, have been remanded in custody following their first hearing.

Ipswich Star: South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court (stock Image). Picture: GREGG BROWNSouth East Suffolk Magistrates' Court (stock Image). Picture: GREGG BROWN

Ryan Page and Jamie Phillips appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court, in Ipswich, on Monday morning.

Both were charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The men were arrested following an incident in Ipswich town centre on the night of Friday, November 3.

Page and Phillips are both alleged to have taken part in an attack on rough sleeper, Ben Douglas, in St Stephen’s Church Lane.

They appeared by video link from Ipswich Police Investigation Centre at Suffolk Constabulary headquarters, in Martlesham Heath.

Page, 18, a resident of Cavendish Lodge supported accommodation, in Turret Lane, wore a short sleeved black T-shirt.

He twice attempted to address magistrates but was advised to communicate via his solicitor.

Phillips, 26, also a resident of Cavendish Loge, wore a dark blue sweatshirt and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

The court heard that, due to the severity of the charges, the case could only be dealt with at Ipswich Crown Court, but that the decision whether or not to grant the defendants bail fell to magistrates.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett applied for both men to be held in custody until their next appearance in court for a plea and case management hearing.

He told the court the alleged assault took place following a verbal altercation, at about 10.30pm, near the Plough Inn.

According to the prosecution, alleged victim, Mr Douglas, was left with stab wounds to the chest, side and lower back, suffering a possible lacerated liver.

A bench of three magistrates, chaired by Michelle Bevan-Margetts, denied an application for bail from Page’s solicitor, Lyndon Davies, of Oslers.

No application for bail was made by Gepp & Sons solicitor, Julie Brice, representing Phillips.

Both defendants were remanded in custody. They are due to reappear in front of magistrates,via video link, for a plea and case management hearing on December 4.