An inmate at a Suffolk prison accused of biting two prison guards on the day he was due to be released has claimed he reacted in the way he did because the officers were being “heavy handed” with him.

Giving evidence during his trial at Ipswich Crown Court Alex Cabey admitted biting the officers but claimed the level of restraint used by them had been “over the top”.

“My intention wasn’t to cause harm to anyone I just felt they were being very heavy handed,” he said.

Cabey was a serving prisoner at HMP Highpoint at Stradishall in May this year when he allegedly became aggressive while waiting for his release to be processed.

He allegedly ignored requests to wait in his cell until reception staff were ready for him to leave.

When an officer took hold of his arm Cabey allegedly started struggling and ended up on the floor.

He allegedly bit one officer on the arm and another on the wrist and grabbed another officer by the throat.

Cabey, 33, of no fixed address denies two offences of assault causing actual bodily harm and one offence of common assault.

The trial continues.