An Ipswich glazier who got drunk on a night out and threatened doormen before spitting at a police constable has been spared jail.

Ian Walker, of Cobbold Street, pleaded guilty at the town’s magistrates’ court to threatening behaviour and assaulting a constable on March 4.

Prosecutor David Bryant said Luke Watson and Josh Grant, security staff at Pump and Grind nightspot in Great Colman Street, were approached by Walker at around 9.30pm to 10pm.

The 43-year-old was unhappy about paying a £10 entry fee.

While inside the bar he got into an argument, but then appeared to have calmed down.

However, a bar worker then told the security staff a man had been smoking inside the premises.

When he was asked to leave Walker was said to have told them: “Well if I do you are going to have to fight me outside.”

Mr Grant got hold of Walker’s shoulders and he became agitated.

Mr Watson then got Walker in a bear hug from behind and he fell to the ground, before being dragged out of the premises.

The court was told Walker said: “I’m going to knock you out. I’m going to do you.”

He swung a punch at the two doormen but missed. Walker then swung a punch at Mr Grant and was taken to the ground.

Police were called and Walker struggled with them and was kicking out as they tried to restrain him.

When Walker was put in the back of a police van he then began butting the cage.

As officers tried to restrain him he kicked out and grappled with them.

While a police constable was trying to control him Walker spat at the officer hitting him on his right eye.

Nicola Pope, mitigating, said Walker had not really been in trouble with the courts until 2014.

His marriage had broken down and although he found a new partner Walker can drink to excess at the weekends.

The court heard Walker was remorseful, ashamed and embarrassed, and could not remember the incident.

When sentencing Walker, who was in the dock, District Judge Sandeep Kainth made reference to the door behind the glazier that leads to the cells.

The judge said: “The reason you are not going down the steps today is that you pleaded guilty.”

Walker was given a 12-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. He must also pay a total of £265 in compensation, costs and a victim surcharge.