A man who stabbed his friend with a screwdriver after arguing over a car sale has been jailed.

James Coffield, of Albany Road, Gillingham, saw the Ralph Coventry while walking along Upbury Way, Chatham, when he accused him of owing him £90 for a car.

On October 13, 2018, the men began arguing before Coffield, 40, used a screwdriver to stab the man three times in the shoulder, arm and chest.

The "senseless attack" happened at around 8am and Coffield fled the scene, leaving his friend of more than 20 years needing medical assistance, but left his phone behind.

He was arrested a week later by officers charged two days later with grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court heard Mr Coventry had himself suffered "significant anxiety and stress" but hoped the sentencing hearing would bring him "closure".

Prosecutor Oliver Kirk said: "He said this incident caused him darkness but will achieve closure as a consequence of the sentencing hearing, more than four years after the incident.

"That gives an indication of the effect on the victim and which, of course, goes beyond the physical injuries."

Nicholas Jones, defending, said Coffield, who has 13 convictions for 37 offences, had since "sought to improve his life" by turning his back on drugs and crime.

Jailing Coffield, Recorder David Vince said he had stabbed Mr Coventry in an "appalling violent attack".

"This was a senseless attack over a small debt..."

On Thursday, January 12, he was sentenced to three years and four months in jail and handed a restraining order to prevent him from contacting his victim.

Coffield must also pay court costs.

Investigating officer Nick Gellett said: "This was an opportunistic assault which saw Coffield inflict serious injuries on a man he knew.

"This was a senseless attack over a small debt of money and it was only sheer luck that the injuries inflicted did not cause more harm than they did.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for his bravery in supporting this case and facing Coffield in court, without his support this case would have been difficult to progress and Coffield would have likely not been held accountable for his despicable actions and behaviour."