A support worker at sheltered housing in Felixstowe had to move jobs and suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after a drunk resident ran past her brandishing a knife, a court has heard.

The support worker at the accommodation in Buregate Road had been in her job for less than a week when she went to a room occupied by Anthony McEwan after other residents reported banging coming from it, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

McEwan swore at her and squared up to another resident before pushing the support worker backwards against bannister causing her to bang her arm, said Richard Kelly, prosecuting.

McEwan returned to his room and then went into the corridor holding a knife and threatened to stab another resident.

The support worker was in the corridor and McEwan had pushed her out of the way while holding the knife with the blade pointing upwards. “She feared what he might do with it,” said Mr Kelly.

He said McEwan had gone out of a door and had shut it so hard that a glass panel in it cracked.

McEwan left the premises for about four minutes before re-entering the premises through a back door.

He was arrested in his room by police officers who formed the impression he had been drinking, said Mr Kelly.

He said the support worker, who had only been in her job for four or five days, had been forced to move her job and had been diagnosed with PTSD following the incident.

McEwan, 51, admitted assault by beating and possessing a bladed article and was given a five-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Sentencing him, Judge Martyn Levett said McEwan had been holding the knife in an upright position when he pushed past the support worker and had not threatened her with it.

Hannah Sutton, for McEwan, said her client had been drinking on the day of the incident at the hostel and had not touched a drop of alcohol since then.

“He is very ashamed and remorseful about what happened,” said Miss Sutton.