A man has been locked up for 20 months in a young offender institution after punching and kicking a taxi driver, leaving him with a broken jaw.

James Stewart, 19, of Dymchurch Road in Hythe, was travelling with a group of people in a taxi on Saturday, October 17 2015 in Folkestone following a night out.

When the driver started to feel unsafe due to drunken behaviour, he pulled over in Blackhouse Hill in Hythe, during the early hours.

Stewart then seriously assaulted the driver with Connor Hills, 19, of Gladstone Road, Folkestone and Toby Neill, 18, of Harman Avenue in Lympne.

Both Neill and Harman received a suspended sentence of 18 months and were given 300 hours of unpaid work.

All three pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm without intent at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, January 16 and were later sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, March 10.

Investigating officer police cons Martyn Walker said: "This was a serious assault to a man that was just trying to do his job.

"The victim was left with a broken jaw, which has required a considerable amount of medical treatment.

"I hope this sentence sends a positive message to the community that officers at Kent Police will diligently pursue all acts of violence and do everything possible to support victims of crime."