An Ipswich teenager who was described by a judge as “a very worrying and dangerous young man” has been locked up for six months after a violent incident in Shotley Gate.

Isaac Maloney “lunged and swiped” at a 17-year-old boy with a silver object which the victim thought was a knife but was claimed by Maloney to be a silver pen, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The incident took place near a post office and shop in Great Harlings, Shotley Gate, on November 13 last year.

Maloney, 19, of Downside Close, Ipswich, admitted affray and was sentenced to six months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Sentencing him, Deputy Circuit Judge Peter Jacobs told Maloney: “You are a very worrying, dangerous young man.”

He described Maloney as “menacing” and said he delighted in threatening violence.

He also said Maloney had an “absolutely dreadful” record.

Jo Eley, prosecuting, said the 17-year-old boy was told Maloney was looking for him and went to the area of the post office and shops and told Maloney he didn’t want any trouble.

Maloney started rummaging around in his pocket and pulled out something which the 17-year-old thought was a knife and started “lunging and swiping” at him.

“He was concerned he would be stabbed,” said Miss Eley.

He ran away and got into a friend’s car but got out after he heard Maloney say he was going after one of his friends.

The incident ended shortly afterwards when the police arrived.

Maloney denied having a knife and claimed he had pulled out a silver pen because he thought he was going to be attacked.

Lynne Shirley, for Maloney, said he had been drug free while he had been in custody and was prepared to engage with mental health services.