The trial of a Suffolk man who was arrested in connection with a bomb scare in Sudbury is expected to take place later this year.

East Anglian Daily Times: A police officer stands outside Barclays Bank in Sudbury after a suspicious package was found. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNA police officer stands outside Barclays Bank in Sudbury after a suspicious package was found. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Mark Brett, 41, of Tudor Road, Sudbury, was before Ipswich Crown Court today for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

He pleaded not guilty to placing a rucksack containing battery packs and exposed wires in Barclays Bank in Market Hill with intent, and communication of false information, namely that there was a bomb in Barclays Bank.

The alleged incident saw the entire town cordoned off on January 31 this year after a suspect package was found in a rucksack in the town centre bank.

All roads leading in and out of the town were blocked by police as they closed off Sudbury to cars and pedestrians alike to deal with the item.

Brett’s trial is expected to take place during a two week warned list commencing June 25.

He was released on conditional bail.