A violent thug who shoved a pregnant woman in the stomach as she tried to stop him attacking a man in the street has been jailed.

Daniel Groom 34, pushed the mum-to-be as she intervened when she saw him repeatedly kicking the victim in the head in Ashford High Street on March 28.

He was arrested later that day by police, who found a metal hammer and de-tagging device in his pocket.

He was subsequently charged with assaulting the man and woman, as well as another victim earlier in the month.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how on Thursday, March 2, Groom punched and kicked a man unconscious following an argument outside a bowling alley in Ashford.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of assault, possession of an offensive weapon and being equipped for theft, and has now been jailed for seven years and four months.

Investigating officer PC David Hinwood said: "Groom has shown he is a very violent man and a great risk to the public.

"He carried out his attacks with no thought for the consequences and even assaulted a pregnant woman in the process.

"The fact he was carrying a hammer when he was arrested and a de-tagging deice, often used to steal, gives us an indication of what he may be capable of.

"We hope this sentence provides reassurance to the public that we will relentlessly pursue violent offenders and seek justice for victims."