Ipswich: Man faces lengthy spell in jail after admitting stabbing outside town pub

The injuries inflicted by Jetmir Kaceli, of Bulstrode Road, Ipswich, led to 22-year-old Elroy Diegaart requiring surgery at Ipswich Hospital.

The stabbing occurred outside the Shipwrights Arms, in Wherstead Road, and reportedly followed an earlier altercation between the two parties.

Kaceli pleaded guilty, when he appeared at a preliminary hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

During the hearing before Judge David Goodin, Kaceli also admitted an allegation of possessing an offensive weapon.

Among the details of the charge were that Kaceli had two knives found on him. His case was adjourned until sentencing, which is due to take place in the week commencing October 10.

The Lithuanian national has been remanded in custody until then.

The incident occurred at about 3am on Saturday, September 3, after both men had gone out separately for a night in the town.

An argument broke out in St Nicholas Street between Kaceli and a group of men, including Mr Diegaart, who is understood to have been working in Ipswich at the time. As the men walked back to the Shipwrights Arms where they were staying, a further altercation erupted as Kaceli, who lives on the docks side of Wherstead Road, had followed them.

At the time police said Mr Diegaart, who is understood to be a South African national, sustained wounds to his abdomen and arms.

Although he had to undergo an operation at the time, it was said that his injuries were not life-threatening.

Kaceli was arrested later the same morning.

The area around the public house was cordoned off while police began their inquiries.

Kaceli appeared before Ipswich magistrates two days after the stabbing. His case was committed to crown court where he pleaded guilty at its first hearing.

His early plea means he will be eligible for a substantial reduction in any prison term he would have received if he had been convicted after a trial.