A Suffolk man who punched a man who lived in the same shared accommodation as him has been jailed for ten months.

Ian Tucker was in his room at the property in Fritton Court, Haverhill, in August last year when Daniel Parsons opened the door to a British Gas worker who had come to fit a meter, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Tucker came out of his room and started shouting and swearing at Mr Parson’s and then punched him on the left side of his face causing bruising and reddening to his left cheek.

Mr Parsons called the police and Tucker was arrested.

Tucker, 45, of no fixed address, was convicted in his absence by magistrates of assault by beating and committed to the crown court for sentence. He also admitted being in breach of a 12 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Sentencing him, Judge John Devaux said Tucker had a history of aggressive and volatile behaviour and psychiatric problems.

Tucker, who was not represented in court, said he had concerns about a meter being fitted at the accommodation.