A knifeman who threatened to stab a father and his young child while on an alcohol-fuelled rage has avoided prison.

Alcoholic Nicholas Hudson wandered around Sunningdale Court in Square Hill Road, Maidstone, threatening to knife multiple people.

The 34-year-old appeared via video link at the Nightingale Court at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel to be sentenced after pleading guilty to making threats to kill, threats with a bladed article and assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard how on February 5 at about 6.40pm Hudson was heard to say: "I'm going to cut your family up. I will stab you, you ****. I have a knife."

He then saw a fellow resident with his young child and told him "I will have you and your son. I will slice you both."

Prosecutor John Connor revealed despite the threats a knife wasn't seen on the Maidstone man at that time, and police were called multiple times.

Moments later a second resident looked down to see Hudson with a knife which had a six to seven inch blade and black handle.

"I will cut him. I will cut his family..."

He then said: "I will cut him. I will cut his family."

At 6.50pm police arrived and arrested Hudson, who became aggressive according to Mr Connor.

He then lunged at a female officer in an attempt to headbutt her, but did not make any contact. In an interview with police he said he had done this as he was "annoyed at being grabbed."

Defending solicitor Asma Khan revealed Hudson formerly of Sunningdale Court, had been in custody at HMP Elmley since the incident in February and was "extremely remorseful", even offering to apologise personally to the victims.

She continued, describing how a sobbing Hudson was overly emotional during the hearing after finding out his aunt had died that morning.

Ms Khan said despite the alcoholic having previous convictions for similar offences he hadn't offended since 2013 which was due to him having access to community support and family support.

She said this network of help had been cut off when the coronavirus pandemic began and drove him to his actions.

The court heard how on the day of the incident, Hudson had been drinking which fuelled paranoia that a resident had been making "untrue comments" about him.

Before being sentenced, Hudson apologised to the court, saying: "I'm sorry, okay, I'm sorry."

Recorder Richard Smith gave Hudson an 18-month suspended sentenced for the three offences.

He said he made the decision having heard the defendant will move into supported living accommodation in Medway when he leaves prison and that he will take part in rehab and alcohol treatment courses.

Hudson was given a restraining order, set until further notice, not to go to Sunningdale flats or have contact with the victims.

Speaking to the Kent Messenger, KentOnline's sister paper, Hudson said: "I am sorry, I do regret it. It was a hard time for me. I was depressed and suffering with mental health.

"It's no excuse for what happened but I am really sorry."

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