A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm after a 63-year-old received serious head injuries during an early morning assault outside an Ipswich pub.

Dale Thompson, of Chaucer Road, Ipswich, arrested after the incident, which happened at around 3am, on December 12, at The Inkerman on the corner of Norwich Road and Chevallier Street.

The 37-year-old was interviewed by officers before being released on bail, pending further enquiries.

He answered his bail at the Martlesham police investigation centre at Suffolk Constabulary headquarters where he was charged.

Karen Willie, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said Thompson is accused of grievous bodily harm with intent.

He is due to make his first appearance on the allegation at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich on June 14.

Thompson is currently on bail.

The 63-year-old male victim was taken to Ipswich Hospital following the assault.