A man who launched a random knife attack on a woman as she sat in her car outside a supermarket is likely to be spared a jail sentence.

Ashley Cobb, 21, is instead expected to be given psychiatric help with his mental problems.

Charlene Gibbard, 31, was attacked as she sat the passenger seat of her car at Tesco’s in Bridge Street, Sheerness, on October 3 last year while her husband Westley was shopping.

Their two-year-old daughter was asleep in the back of the car as Cobb lashed out with the knife, cutting her hand. She was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Cobb, of Emerald View, Warden, admitted affray, possessing a blade and criminal damage.

Judge Adele Williams said when Cobb appeared for sentence, following the preparation of a psychiatric report, that a “package” was being put together to assist him to rehabilitate himself, if released from custody.

“We have made progress because the mental health team have identified he is someone who should receive help,” she said. “We are nearly there.”

The judge said Cobb would have to live in Kent if passing a sentence which allowed his release.

She told him: “We are working hard to make sure when released from custody there are good arrangements in place to make sure you don’t commit any offences in future, and everything is in order for you.

“I need one final report.”

Cobb was remanded in custody until sentence on June 15.