AN IPSWICH man has avoided jail after pleading guilty to ramming a police car, threatening to kill police officer sand possession of an offensive weapon.

AN IPSWICH man has avoided jail after pleading guilty to ramming a police car, threatening to kill police officer sand possession of an offensive weapon.

Peter Singleton, 53, of Kingfisher Avenue, Ipswich, went on the rampage on December 1, last year, the day after his wife attempted to get him treatment for mental health problems at St Clements Hospital.

The court heard that police attended Singleton's home address as a result of concerns about his mental wellbeing but he was reluctant to speak to them and got into his car prompting a series of dangerous manoeuvres during which he “rammed” two police cars.

Robert Sadd, prosecuting, said an affray then took place at West Meadows, once Singleton's car had come to a stop.

Joanne Eley, defending, said: “She was hoping for further assistance on that date but they chose not to admit him and he was sent home.

“He went missing and further unusual behaviour was displayed when he knew police were coming to the property.

“That is when things got completely out of hand.”

She said her client's actions were entirely out of character, he could not remember what happened and were entirely the result of mental health issues which have since been diagnosed.

Judge David Goodin sentenced Singleton to a three-year community order, consisting of treatment for his mental health issues and a supervision requirement.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.