A Folkestone man – praised for giving evidence in a notorious murder trial – has now been sent to prison.

Sam Kuypers, of Bouverie Road West, became a vital prosecution witness and gave evidence which helped convict Brian Sharp for the brutal killing of a homeless man.

But the 29 year old then struggled with his own alcohol problems which led to the break up with his lover Kayleigh Martin.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd told Canterbury Crown Court he twice attacked his victim - before sending "nasty" messages via social media that he would rape her.

“At the murder trial you gave important evidence and didn’t shy away from doing your public duty. But in the Spring of this year you behaved in a really unacceptable, brutal and violent way towards your ex-partner" - Judge Adele Williams

Now the same judge who jailed Sharp for life for the killing of love rival Tim Clayton, has sent Kuypers to jail for 18 months.

Judge Adele Williams told him: “At the murder trial you gave important evidence and didn’t shy away from doing your public duty.

“But in the Spring of this year you behaved in a really unacceptable, brutal and violent way towards your ex-partner causing her emotional distress by sending texts of a most nasty and unpleasant nature.”

Ms Todd the couple had been in a six-month relationship which ended in July but after the break up Kuypers called her “a slut” and threatened to kill her.

“He then grabbed her around the throat so she couldn’t breathe and she saw that he was angry and reached for some deodorant can and hit him in order to stop the attack.”

The prosecutor said that after hitting his ex-partner he told her: “I don’t want you leaving and everyone knowing what I have done.”

When Kuypers left to walk the pet dog, Ms Martin fled the flat – only to receive 40 text messages sent by him – “sent minute after minute” threatening to rape her.

He admitted an assault by beating and an assault causing bodily harm and an harassment offence. He was also banned from contacting his ex-partner for two years.

Judge Williams told him: “You have a considerable alcohol problem, which is the cause of these offences, and when you are released you really need to set about putting your life in order.”

Kuypers had given evidence at the murder trial telling the jury how he had been sleeping rough in Folkestone and saw the victim of the killing Mr Clayton twice in his life.

"The first time was outside McDonald’s fast food restaurant about five days earlier... and the second time was when I woke up and found him lying dead next to me.”

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