A 27-year-old man who tried to bite off another man's nose has been jailed for five years.

Michael Kidner, of Barnsole Road, Gillingham, was arrested after the incident on July 26 this year.

Kidner had been at the victim's address on Balmoral Road, Gillingham, when the assault took place.

The victim was headbutted, punched and then had his nose and ear bitten. His nose was badly damaged and needed surgery at East Grinstead hospital.

Kidner was arrested on August 6 and charged with wounding with intent the next day.

He denied the offence but was convicted after a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer, Det Cons Caroline Bentley-Read said: "He [the victim] was very lucky that surgeons were able to repair his nose.

"Kidner has continued to claim that he was not responsible for this crime, but we are pleased that the jury found him guilty.

"A five year sentence is a substantial amount of time in prison and we are happy that the Judge has recognised that Kidner is a dangerous offender.

"This sentence sends a clear message that anyone who is involved in carrying out violent assaults will be put before the courts and brought to justice."