A MAN attacked his former housemate with a toaster, a court heard.

Carl De’ath is alleged to have hit another man with the kitchen appliance on several occasions during a sustained attack while they were both living at a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Colchester in July.

The complainant suffered multiple injuries but they were not believed to be serious.

During a short hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, the 34-year-old said he did not want to enter a plea at this stage of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Sharon Hall, prosecuting, said the offence was too serious to be dealt with by magistrates as the toaster was used as a weapon.

She said: “The crown say this is not suitable for summary trial.

“The defendant and the victim were both living in a multi-occupation house at the time.

“We say that the defendant had an issue with the victim, came out of his room, attacked him with a toaster and threatened him with scissors.

“He then said ‘I’m going to kill you.’

“He was hit with the toaster a number of times.

“There was a struggle and he ended up with multiple injuries.”

Lucy Osborne, representing De’ath agreed that it should be dealt with at the crown court.

A plea and trial preparation hearing has now been scheduled for Ipswich Crown Court on December 12.

Chairman of the bench Martin Stuchfield formally sent the case to the higher court.

“You have decided not to enter a plea to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm,” he said.

“The matter is out of our jurisdiction because of the seriousness of the alleged offence.

“It will now be heard in the crown court at Ipswich.”

De’ath, of Wheatfield Road, Stanway, was handed bail until the next hearing with a single condition that he does not contact the alleged victim.