Man in court after Ipswich drama

AN Ipswich man has appeared in court to face charges of affray, threatening behaviour and possession of a bladed article following an incident in the town on Tuesday.

Michael Larkin, 39, of Rendlesham Court, Bramford Road, did not enter a plea to the charges and will appear again next month for the matters to be committed to Ipswich Crown Court.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard that the charges related to an incident at a flat in Ipswich on Tuesday evening.

Larkin pleaded not guilty to a further charge of harassment, relating to an incident the same day.

He also faced several charges following an incident on Saturday, when he failed to stop after a road accident in Ipswich.

Larkin admitted that charge as well as a charge of threatening behaviour and criminal damage but pleaded not guilty to a further charge of failing to provide a specimen.

Sandra Dyer, prosecuting, told magistrates Larkin was stopped by police at about 7.15pm on Saturday after the Saab he was driving was seen to hit two bollards before striking a Citroen in Grove Lane.

He went on to collide with a kerb before getting out of the car on Foxhall Road.

Ms Dyer said officers noted he smelt of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet and became threatening when confronted.

“He refused to take his hands from his pockets. The police officer tried to remove his hands from his pockets.”

Pepper spray was used on Larkin to control him and he was eventually detained.

Ms Dyer said once in a police cell, Larkin caused criminal damage by writing words in blood on the wall, scratching the door and chipping plaster from around the door frame.

Larkin will appear for sentencing on May 29, when the not guilty pleas to the charges of failing to provide a specimen and harassment will also be addressed.

He will be committed to crown court on the charges of affray, threatening behaviour and possession of a bladed article at a hearing on June 24.

An application for bail was refused by magistrates.