by Keith Hunt

A thug who stabbed another man in the arm following history of “antagonism” has been jailed for two years three months.

Alan Brooks had previously been warned he could be facing an extended sentence for the vicious attack on Marc Lloyd.

But a judge said while he had considered dangerousness, a determinate sentence could be imposed.

Brooks, of Temple Way, East Malling, had been recalled to serve the remainder of a six-year prison sentence passed in 2005 for wounding with intent.

He was due for release from that term on December 29 this year.

The latest sentence, of which Brooks will serve half, will run from Monday, when it was imposed.

Brooks denied wounding Mr Lloyd with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and his plea to a lesser charge of unlawful wounding was accepted by the prosecution during his trial.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Brooks, 35, was the half-brother of Mr Lloyd’s wife Linda and there was a long running dispute over an unpaid debt.

Some years ago, the couple gave Brooks accommodation when he was homeless, but he stole jewellery from them.

He agreed to repay them, but never did.

Mr Lloyd had been shopping at a Maidstone supermarket with his daughter, aged 14, on March 27.

Brooks was also there and the only item he bought was a knife.

The victim and his daughter left and were in a car waiting at traffic lights when Brooks ran towards them and threatened: “You’re going to get it now.”

Mr Lloyd tried to open his door but was not able to do so. Brooks then stabbed him in the arm, leaving him permanently scarred.

John O’Higgins, defending, said it was clearly a case that caused concern.

“He is going to need supervision following his release,” he added.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said he accepted there had been previous threats from Mr Lloyd to Brooks.

But Brooks took action that was “wholly unacceptable”, he said. He bought the knife and unwrapped it ready for use.

“It is accepted you felt intimidated by him and you did not buy it to launch an unprovoked attack on him,” said the judge.

“Use of a knife can cause tragic consequences.”