Ipswich Man Accused of Holding Woman Underwater at Birthday Party

David Bleeze celebrated his 57th birthday. During his party, an incident allegedly occurred in July 2023, Ipswich Crown Court learned. Bleeze is accused of grabbing a woman by her neck.

Bleeze, now 58 years old and living on Bramford Lane in Ipswich, denies assaulting one woman and suffocating another.

The court heard that several days before the party, a wedding involving some party attendees was called off. This news may have affected Bleeze’s birthday celebration.

Following the party, the women were in a hot tub along with Bleeze’s partner. Bleeze was inside the house, engaged in an argument with his partner.

One woman, fearing Bleeze would lock them out, took the back door key. A struggle then occurred, during which he allegedly grabbed her neck. Another woman tried to help her friend, and Bleeze allegedly grabbed her neck too, then held her head underwater in the hot tub.

Bleeze later spoke to the police about the incident. He claimed the women acted aggressively toward him and that he was the victim.

One woman gave evidence in court, denying being aggressive to Bleeze. She insisted she did not push him and that Bleeze did not act in self-defense, stating she told the truth about the neck grabbing.

Her lawyer, Donal Lawlor, suggested the other woman fell backward, grabbing Bleeze’s shirt, which ripped as she fell into the hot tub.

The trial is currently still ongoing.