A "frightening" thug who threatened his ex-girlfriend with a knife and assaulted her twice has been put behind bars.

Mark Irwine also made threats to harm his former partner's family and shouted at children during a confrontation in Rochester.

The 31-year-old, who lives in Hoo, has now been jailed for one year and 10 months and issued with a three-year restraining order.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm, driving without insurance or a licence, driving while disqualified and possession of a bladed article.

As well as serving a jail term and facing a restraining order when he is released, Irwine has also been disqualified from driving for five years.

On the evening of August 24, he arrived at his former partner’s home in Rochester, where he assaulted her and stole her car.

He later returned - entering the home through a front window - and threatened his victim with a knife.

He also made threats to harm her family and shouted at children who were present.

Irwine, of Peal Close, then further assaulted the woman before police arrived and he was arrested.

During a search of the property officers found a knife discarded in a bowl of water.

Investigating officer PC Daniel Burnett said: "This was a frightening incident in which Irwine showed a high level of aggression towards his victim in her own home where there were young children present.

"He made verbal threats and physically harmed her.

"He also put members of the public in danger when he drove the victim’s car intoxicated when he was not qualified to do so.

"I’m pleased he has been jailed and I hope the sentencing helps to bring some closure to his victim."

The restraining order will be imposed for three years.