A Maidstone man who smashed up a Mercedes-Benz with a hammer while two people were inside has been handed a prison sentence.

John Allen, of Hales Court, Church Street, admitted four charges of assault, criminal damage, carrying a weapon and threatening behaviour at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The court heard how the 63-year-old went on the rampage in Church Street last month, smashing up a neighbour's black SLK following a disagreement and causing £4,000 of damage while two people were inside.

Allen, who was described as being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident at 5pm on Friday, July 31, injured one man in the process.

Members of the public were threatened by the defendant as they attempted to calm him down.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 5pm and arrested Allen, who was carrying a knife which he reportedly wanted to slash the tyres of another vehicle with.

Magistrates sentenced him to 30 days in prison for each offence to be served consecutively, suspended for 12 months, ordered him to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work and 15 activity sessions and told him to pay £500 compensation, £85 costs, an £80 victim surcharge and £180 court costs.