A MAN is facing a lengthy prison sentence for a vicious attack in which his victim was struck at least 10 times with a hammer.

Aaron Campbell, 24, repeatedly beat 22-year-old Lee Harris with the weapon during the assault in June this year.

Mr Harris, who was a soldier based at Brompton Barracks at the time, sustained life-threatening injuries and Campbell was originally charged with attempted murder.

During an earlier appearance at Maidstone Crown Court Campbell, of Madden Avenue, Davis Estate, Chatham, denied trying to kill Mr Harris but admitted causing him grievous bodily harm with intent.

A trial on the charge of attempted murder was expected to start next year, but at Friday's hearing the Crown Prosecution Service formally offered no evidence to that offence.

Campbell will now be sentenced on January 23. Ordering both psychiatric and probation reports Judge Warwick McKinnon said: "There are only two possible sentences here - a medical disposal or a very long term in custody."

The facts of the case were not opened but the court heard Mr Harris was struck 20 times, at least 10 of those with the hammer, during the attack at Campbell’s home. Mr Harris is said to be still suffering from "long-term effects".