A MAN is in jail today after chasing a friend out of his Ipswich home with a knife.Robert Potkins, 43, of Austin Street, admitted a charge of having a blade in a public place, South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard.

A MAN is in jail today after chasing a friend out of his Ipswich home with a knife.

Robert Potkins, 43, of Austin Street, admitted a charge of having a blade in a public place, South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard. Potkins was jailed for 28 days.

Two further charges of assault were withdrawn.

The court was told how Potkins frog-marched the victim along the street at knifepoint after an argument.

Godfried Duah, prosecuting, said: "Mr Potkins went to visit his friend in Austin Street on May 16 when an argument broke out between them.

"The victim later went round to speak to Mr Potkins, who was so angry he picked up a knife and walked his friend back to his house."

Dino Barricella, mitigating, said: "There was this argument between the complainant and Mr Potkins after which the defendant walked back to his house to diffuse the situation.

"The victim then banged on the door which concerned Mr Potkins as his girlfriend was in the house.

"The door opened and the victim entered. Mr Potkins then picked up the knife and frog-marched the man along Austin Street back to his home.

"Mr Potkins used the knife for the purpose of getting the man out of his way. There was some element of provocation which should be taken into consideration."

However, as Potkins had a number of previous convictions for violence and violent related matters, bench chairwoman Judith Palmer decided he should be jailed.

On sentencing she said: "We feel that only custody is relevant for such a serious crime."