A drink and drug-crazed thug has been jailed for 16 years after he made horrifying knife attacks on a couple in their home and then mowed down and killed a father in a separate incident.

A judge said of Connor Ashworth-Driver’s random frenzied stabbings: “Being attacked in their own home is the stuff of nightmares and very grave offences indeed.

“On these two occasions you have behaved in such a highly irresponsible fashion and you have caused the loss of one life and irreparably damaged the lives of many others.

“I conclude you are a highly dangerous young man.”

The 22-year-old car salesman had been drinking heavily and taken cocaine when he broke into the Gillingham home of Natalie Link and Harvey Clarke in the early hours.

He was in a similar state again just over two months later when he ran down Martin Sawyer as he crossed the road in Chatham in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Ashworth-Driver had no explanation for committing either offence, other than being under the influence of drink and drugs.

Miss Link, 23, and her soldier boyfriend Mr Clarke were asleep in bed at their home in Gardiner Street at about 4.30am on October 22 last year when Ashworth-Driver crept into the room.

Prosecutor Shanda McAteer said Mr Clarke felt something sharp and was stabbed about 10 times in the head and body.

He managed to flee from the bedroom and ran down the High Street, chased by Ashworth-Driver shouting: “I am going to ------- kill you.”

Mr Clarke managed to hide and Ashworth-Driver then returned to the home, where Miss Link was still in the bedroom not knowing what had happened to her boyfriend.

He started to attack her with the knife. She kicked out at him, knocking the weapon out of his hand. He ran off leaving behind knives and a baseball cap.

“They were not only left physically scarred, but mentally scarred as well...” - Judge Adele Williams

It was not until Ashworth-Driver, then from Gillingham, was arrested for causing the death of Mr Sawyer, 53, that DNA from the cap was linked to him.

When interviewed, he said he was not aware he had been involved in the attack and claimed he had blacked out from drink and drugs.

He added he had left work and started drinking and took two lines of cocaine. He then bought a bottle of vodka and drank that.

“He confirmed he doesn’t know the victims or their address,” said Miss McAteer.

Both Miss Link, a hairdresser, and Mr Clarke, an engineer in the Army, were left scarred and traumatised from the attack. They have since split up.

Mr Sawyer, who had a spinal condition, had been out celebrating on New Year’s Eve and was walking home in Luton Road just after 1am when he was hit by Ashworth-Driver’s Renault Clio.

CCTV footage showed he was driving at about 56mph in a 30mph zone.

Mr Sawyer was thrown in the air and onto a parked car. Ashworth-Driver then drove off.

When he arrived home he told his girlfriend he thought he had hit and killed somebody. She gave him a glass of wine. He later telephoned the police.

Officers went to the address and breathalysed him. He was found to be less than twice the legal limit. The level for cocaine was 46. The legal limit is 10.

"They have asked themselves why them, why did you do it, but you have no answers...” - Judge Adele Williams

Ashworth-Driver, of Salisbury Road, Dover, admitted aggravated burglary, two offences of wounding with intent, causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.

He was banned from driving for 18 years and will have to take an extended test before being allowed by on the road.

Tom Dunn, defending, said Ashworth-Driver, who has no previous convictions or cautions, was profoundly shocked by the gravity of the situation.

“One of the questions that Miss Link and Mr Clarke pose is why, and unfortunately there is no answer forthcoming,” said Mr Dunn.

“His behaviour is quite simply inexplicable.

“The obvious cause of both incidents is consumption of alcohol and drugs. He accepts they were present in both sets of offences.

“That he drank to excess and was stupid enough to try drugs is all the more baffling. The person who perpetrated the monstrous things on Miss Link and Mr Clarke and who caused tragedy for the Sawyer family was a person who was different when not under drink and drugs.

“I accept that may be precious little comfort for them. He is seeking to deal with it in custody. It is a very dark day for everybody in this case. He gives his heartfelt apologies and condolences.”

Mr Dunn added: “He is young, hardworking and mild-mannered and so far as his family is concerned, a much-loved individual.”

Judge Adele Williams said Miss Link’s victim statement made plain the deeply traumatic and life-changing effect the attack had on them.

“They were not only left physically scarred, but mentally scarred as well,” said the judge.

“Miss Link was not able to sleep in her own home for six weeks. She now sleeps, in effect, barricaded in her bedroom.

“She lost her job through no fault of her own. Sadly, the trauma and pressures resulting from that night meant she and Mr Clarke have separated, but remain friends.

“His behaviour is quite simply inexplicable..." - Tom Dunn, defending

“The effect on each of these victims will be ongoing and traumatic. They have asked themselves why them, why did you do it, but you have no answers.”

Judge Williams said Ashworth-Driver “callously” drove away from the scene after hitting Mr Sawyer.

Statements from one of the victim’s three sons, David, and his brother John, made it clear he was much loved.

“He was 53 and had many years of life ahead of him,” said the judge.”Their grief is raw and apparent. They mourn the milestones in their lives he will miss and be missed by them.

“Nothing I can say, or sentence I can pass is intended to put a value on his life. It can’t possibly do so. His loss is immeasurable.”

Judge Williams told Ashworth-Driver: “I conclude you were living a highly irresponsible life. Despite holding down a job and being a loving family member, you were using alcohol and cocaine to excess.

“On occasion, you were in the grip of those substances.”

Ashworth-Driver was jailed for eight years for the offences involving Miss Link and Mr Clarke and eight years consecutive for causing the death of Mr Sawyer.