A homeless man has been jailed for more than three years after a vicious attack on a Good Samaritan who offered him shelter.

Adam Woolnough was invited to stay with a friend in Browning Place, Folkestone, for a few days, but despite putting a roof over Woolnough’s head, the friend was subjected to multiple threats.

These led to a physical assault on October 1 last year, when the victim, a man in his 50s, was punched in the face several times.

The assault lasted for around five minutes before the victim was able to leave the house.

He sought help from a community worker at a local church, but this antagonised Woolnough, 36, who was waiting for him on his return.

He was threatened by Woolnough, who was holding a hammer, and then carried out another sustained attack, this time kicking and punching the victim in the head and body.

Woolnough grabbed a bread knife from the kitchen and held it to the man’s throat causing him to fear for his life.

When he managed to get away for a second time - suffering a cut to his hand in the process - the victim went back to the church and police were called.

Woolnough had already set off to find him at the church when he was detained by officers on the way.

His behaviour continued to be aggressive and he spat at the arresting officer on several occasions.

Woolnough, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to charges of actual bodily harm, threats to kill, possession of a bladed article and assault of an emergency worker.

He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to three years and two months in prison.

DC Josh Cooper said: "Woolnough’s victim was kind enough to let him stay at his home, but in return he suffered a terrifying and violent assault.

"Who knows what would have happened had the police not been called. Woolnough is now in prison where he no longer poses a threat to him.

"It is also unacceptable that the police officer who arrested him should be spat at while doing her job.

"This is a vile offence, one that Kent Police and the courts take seriously.".

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