A man who invaded a woman's house and punched her in front of her children leaving her in hospital for 11 days after breaking her ribs has been jailed.

Stephen McCreadie also sent "sinister threats" to his victim after the attack after bursting into the house.

Last year, on July 23, McCreadie entered a house uninvited, on the Isle of Sheppey, where a woman he knew was living.

Once inside, he repeatedly punched her in an unprovoked attack in front of her young children.

The woman fled the property while he was distracted and McCreadie pursued her. When he caught up with the victim, he struck her face multiple times while threatening to kill her.

The injured woman went to hospital where she received treatment for three broken ribs, along with bruising and scratches.

Following the incident, McCreadie sent abusive text messages to the victim threatening further violence.

He also targeted members of her family with similar threats and in November the victim made contact with the police.

On January 10, McCreadie of no fixed address, was tracked down, arrested and charged.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm and harassment.

The 41-year-old was sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment and received a 10-year restraining order on Friday at the same court.

Investigating officer, PC Emily Matthews, said: "McCreadie is a violent bully who put a woman through an appalling ordeal.

"The severity of his assault was such that the victim remained in hospital for 11 days while receiving medical attention.

"The sinister threats he sent after the assault caused considerable distress and I would like to commend the victim for her courage in contacting us.

"I am pleased McCreadie is now serving a prison sentence and will also be subject to a lengthy restraining order on his release."