A 26-year-old Ipswich man has admitted obstructing a police officer and criminal damage to a police cell.

Steven Gooch, of Old Foundry Road, pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The incident occurred on November 11.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said police were called to Chatsworth Crescent in Ipswich to reports of a domestic disturbance involving Gooch and family members.

The court heard when police arrived Gooch was told he would have to be arrested and started to get agitated.

He refused to give an officer his hand and continued to resist arrest, becoming more and more aggressive, shouting and swearing.

Ms Small said at one point Gooch threatened to bite at officer telling him: “This is what God gave us teeth for.”

When Gooch was taken to Martlesham police investigation centre he punched the wall of a cell and smeared the blood from his knuckles on the wall.

Mark Holt, representing Gooch - who was under a two-year suspended prison sentence when the offences occurred - said his client got agitated because he did not realise police had been called to the disturbance.

Mr Holt described it as a verbal falling out between Gooch and his family.

The court heard there was no suggestion Gooch carried out his threat to bite the police officer.

Mr Holt said of his client: “His mouth was two seconds ahead of his brain because of his agitated state.”

Magistrates were told Gooch suffers from mental health issues.

Gooch was given fines totalling £140 and order to pay £200 compensation for damaging the cell. He must also pay costs of £85 and £20 to the victims’ fund.

The breach of his suspended sentence will be reported to Ipswich Crown Court.