A MAN accused of committing a string of burglaries at pubs and a club in Ipswich chose not to give evidence yesterday.Vincent Bennett is alleged to have broken into the Smock Pub, the Belstead Arms, the Kingfisher, Pauls Social Club and a house in Belstead Road between Christmas Eve 2001 and February 10 this year.

A MAN accused of committing a string of burglaries at pubs and a club in Ipswich chose not to give evidence yesterday.

Vincent Bennett is alleged to have broken into the Smock Pub, the Belstead Arms, the Kingfisher, Pauls Social Club and a house in Belstead Road between Christmas Eve 2001 and February 10 this year.

Ipswich Crown Court had heard that Bennett was arrested by police after his girlfriend Sandra Reid, identified him as the person responsible for the burglaries.

She claimed he had admitted committing the burglaries to her while they were living together and had given her details about them.

She also claimed that Bennett had later written her a threatening letter in a bid to stop her giving evidence against him.

Bennett, 30, of London Road, Ipswich has denied five offences of burglary and an offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Yesterday Dc Steve Rowland told the court that Bennett had given "no comment" answers when he was questioned about the alleged burglaries.

Asked about the threatening letter sent to Ms Reid he denied writing it and said he hadn't been in Ipswich when it was allegedly posted through her letterbox.

The trial continues today (Wed).