IPSWICH: An unstable Ipswich man accused of murdering his wife duped prison staff into believing he was not suicidal just hours before slashing himself to death, an inquest has heard.

The hearing into the death of Mariusz Lipinski at the Assembly Rooms in Norwich was told the 38-year-old had only arrived at the city’s prison less than 12 hours before his death.

Lipinski – who Ipswich police and South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court security guards had deemed at risk of suicide and self harm – died in his shared cell from injuries to his neck, wrists, eyebrows and torso.

The Polish-national had been remanded in custody at HMP Norwich after his first appearance before Ipswich magistrates on July 28 last year.

Lipinski was accused of stabbing his estranged wife Malgorzata, also 38, to death on July 24, at the flats where she lived which face on to Duke Street. The pair had previously lived together in Siloam Street.

Yesterday, the inquest heard Dr Nat Cary, a consultant forensic pathologist, reported that Lipinski died as a result of cutting himself with a razor, inflicting multiple wounds.

The inquest heard Michelle Nash, a prison and custody officer at the magistrates’ court in Ipswich, received a form from police who brought Lipinski to court, telling her he was thought to be at risk of self-harm.

However, when Lipinski arrived at Norwich at around 3.15pm he was not seen by a mental health nurse while going through the reception process.

Sally Coe, a registered general nurse, assessed Lipinski. She told the inquest that in her view she felt Lipinski had calmed down and was not a threat to himself.

Lipinski was found dying in his cell at 1.15am the next day.

The inquest continues.