GEMMA Adams' grieving partner is facing the prospect of prison today after assaulting a police officer at the height of the inquiry into his girlfriend's death.

GEMMA Adams' grieving partner is facing the prospect of prison today after assaulting a police officer at the height of the inquiry into his girlfriend's death.

Jon Simpson, 26, the long-term partner of Miss Adams, told South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court his state of mind had contributed to the offence.

Miss Adams, 25, who lived with her partner in Blenheim Road, Ipswich, was one of five women who died in Ipswich's red light killings.

Her body was found in Belstead Brook at Hintlesham on December 2.

Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24 and Annette Nicholls, 29, were also found dead between December 8 and December 12.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard Simpson had assaulted a constable and been involved in a scuffle with officers on December 18 - six days after the bodies of Miss Clennell, Miss Nicholls were found.

He was stopped by police after the red Volvo he was driving was involved in a collision with a Ford Fiesta in London Road, Ipswich, breaking the other car's wing mirror.

Stephen Colman, prosecuting, said officers had approached the vehicle at the junction of London Road and Handford Road at 2.25am and the car had reversed at speed.

They spotted the vehicle again in Elliot Street and Simpson pulled over.

Mr Colman said: “One of the officers opened the door, took the keys and asked Mr Simpson to get out.

“He asked to see Mr Simpson's driving licence and noticed he appeared reluctant to respond to his questions. At this point he (Simpson) became extremely violent, lashed out and hit the officer in the chest.”

A struggle ensued and, during the course of the arrest Simpson ended up with a fractured wrist.

Simpson pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, driving without due care and attention, driving without a test certificate, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and failing to surrender to custody.

The latter offence happened on January 7 when Simpson was due to answer bail at Ipswich police station.

Mark Holt, mitigating, told magistrates Simpson had been in a ten-year relationship with Miss Adams.

He said: “He was extremely upset and has been suffering from grief. He has been signed off by a doctor and diagnosed with depression.

“It seems apparent, because of his state of mind, he failed to co-operate with police.”

Mr Holt said Simpson's previous convictions did “not read particularly well” but said since he had been released from prison in August or September 2005 he had committed no offences.

He said Simpson had a drug problem but was on a methadone script and was hoping to move to Scotland to help with his rehabilitation.

Magistrates adjourned the case to February 6 for a pre sentence report but said all options, including custody, would be open.

Steven Wright, 48, of London Road, Ipswich has been charged with the murders of all five women.

He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on May 1 to enter a plea.

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