A thug who launched a savage, alcohol-fueled knife attack on a police constable has been jailed.

Sean Medhurst, 49 and of Church Street in Edenbridge, carried out the assault which left the officer in need of stitches in December last year.

Medhurst pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, and a further six charges linked to the case. He was sentenced to five-years and four months at Maidstone Crown Court.

The court heard that on the evening Friday, December 2, Medhurst was causing a disturbance while drunk in Willow Lea, Tonbridge. He then got in a vehicle and drove away, without the owner’s permission.

Medhurst drove to Cherwell Close and caused another disturbance - this time holding a knife in his hand. He then walked off, in the direction of Darenth Avenue.

As he walked, Medhurst came across a teenage boy coming out of an alleyway in Darenth Avenue and threatened him with a knife.

Moments after this incident police found Medhurst and attempted to arrest him.

He resisted arrest and as one constable got out of a patrol car on the passenger side, Medhurst lunged a knife at him through the door.

As the officer attempted to defend himself, Medhurst cut the officer across the top left of his forearm. A taser was then used to safely arrest him.

As well as wounding with intent, Medhurst was sentenced for taking a vehicle without consent, two counts of threatening another person with a bladed article, resisting arrest, failing to provide a specimen and harassment.

Detective Sergeant Jon Faulkner, said: "Medhurst subjected innocent members of the public, and serving police officers, to unacceptable levels of fear and violence.

"His victims included a teenage boy, who he threatened with a knife, and a police officer who was attempting to help him and keep other members of the public safe.

"It is fortunate that the injuries the officer suffered were not more serious and the sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of Medhurst’s offending."