Two drunks caused fear and terror when they armed themselves with swords in a street and one threatened to chop off a woman's head, a court heard.

Robert Dewar, 46, had what a judge called "a vicious looking implement", while 59-year-old Christopher Coburn wielded a smaller sword.

The pair reached for the weapons during a row on June 5 in which mother Jade Eveson was verbally abused and Coburn threatened to cut off her head or slit her throat.

Prosecutor Ian Dear said when the victim declared she was calling the police, Coburn told her: "Go on then, who's scared now?"

Coburn and Dewar, both of Thorold Road, Chatham, admitted affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

"There can be no circumstances which ought to lead to a weapon such as a sword - in this case two swords - being taken into a public place..." - Judge Philip Statman

Mr Dear told Maidstone Crown Court that Dewar had a more extensive record than Coburn. Dewar was jailed for two years in 2007 for supplying class A drugs.

Coburn was sentenced for the latest offences to 12 months and Dewar to eight months.

Because of time spent on remand, Dewar was freed immediately and Coburn will be due for release within a month.

Judge Philip Statman recommended the licencing authorities assist Coburn with mental health treatment.

Kerry Moore, for Coburn, said it must have been a frightening experience for people in the street that day, but no injury was caused.

His mental health history dated back to 2004. "He needs care in the community," said Mr Moore.

Alex Rooke, for Dewar, said his client had been threatened with being sliced, so he "reached into his basement and brought the sword into the street".

He added: "Mr Coburn had the sword given to him as a present some months previously."

Passing sentence, Judge Statman said: "This was an ugly incident in the street in which drink clearly played a part. It is very important indeed in our community that people live at peace with each other.

"There can be no circumstances which ought to lead to a weapon such as a sword - in this case two swords - being taken into a public place.

"There is always the danger somebody is going to get horribly injured."