A Maidstone man who tried to rob a victim after brandishing two knives, has been jailed.

Jason Barnes, wearing a hoodie and dark clothes, confronted a man near Morrisons supermarket in Sutton Road and pointed a knife at his chest, telling him: "Give me your stuff!"

But the victim began running away in Lynley Close and was chased by Barnes, who was holding a knife in both hands. However, he easily outstripped the "erratic" Barnes, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Police were called and, after dropping the knives, the 47-year-old was located nearby and arrested. During a search he was abusive to officers and attempted to headbutt one of them.

Barnes, of King Street, had been released from prison just a month before the attempted robbery in November last year.

Prosecutor Julian Winship said he has since been recalled by the prison authorities to complete an earlier sentence.

He has now received a total of four years and five months for the attempted robbery, possessing two knives and assaulting an emergency worker. He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

DC Billie-Louise Keane, of the Chief Constable’s crime squad, said: "Barnes is a repeat offender who picked his victim at random and then subjected him to what must have been a terrifying ordeal.

"Thankfully our officers were able to quickly identify and arrest him and ensure he posed no further threat to members of the public.

"I’d like to reassure residents that throughout Kent we are continuing to take a robust stance in tackling knife crime and those who carry weapons and we remain determined to do all we can to keep our communities safe.

"Our officers work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, such as British Transport Police and neighbouring forces, to detect and disrupt those believed to be carrying weapons and who may be linked to associated offences, such as supplying drugs."

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