A violent thug who stabbed a man during a fight outside a Hungry Horse pub has been locked up.

Russell Brazier plunged the blade into his victim’s back after they came to blows in the car park of the Wheatsheaf in Swalecliffe, near Whitstable, on October 9 last year.

The 31-year-old then fled the scene, leaving his victim in a serious condition.

Others gave him first aid before he was flown to a London hospital for further treatment, and he survived his injuries.

The “terrible” attack happened after Brazier entered the home of a woman he knew earlier that day and damaged items inside.

The woman had locked herself in the bathroom at the time to protect herself.

Brazier handed himself in at Canterbury Police Station two days later and was charged with burglary, criminal damage and causing grievous bodily harm.

Brazier, formerly of Shelley Avenue, Canterbury, later admitted those offences and was jailed for three years and nine months at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, May 26.

A pub spokesman said at the time of the attack: “There was an incident in the car park on Sunday evening involving a customer.

"We immediately called the police and an ambulance to attend, and are now fully supporting the police in their investigation.

"All our thoughts are with our customer at this time."

After the sentencing, PC Matthew Burridge, investigating officer for East Kent CID, said: “This was a terrible assault and we could so easily have been dealing with a far more serious offence.

“Brazier had earlier that day put a woman in fear after he entered her home and damaged her property.

“I am pleased this violent man has been brought to justice and jailed, protecting the people of Canterbury and Whitstable from him in future.”