A dangerous thug serving a 15-year jail sentence for a vicious wounding, attacked another inmate, leaving him with a serious head injury, a court heard.

Owen Lane was given the long sentence in November 2016 after he stabbed Rotimi Edwards in the stomach in a row over drugs at a party in Ashford.

Only a few days before he was near the Stour Centre in the town when he struck another man with a metal bar, causing a wound that penetrated his skull.

Lane, formerly of Imperial Way, Ashford, was given an extended sentence for public protection.

His earliest release date is 2026, but the parole board will take into consideration his other offending when deciding whether he should be freed.

Maidstone Crown Court was told the 23-year-old father was on a landing at Elmley Prison on Sheppey on June 26 last year when he punched another inmate, Jonathan Harlow, in the face.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd said while the victim was lying on the floor, Lane punched him repeatedly and stamped on his head.

Another prisoner pulled Lane away and Mr Harlow was left covered in blood. He was treated for a 4in wound to his face.

At his trial in 2016, Lane was convicted of wounding with intent and cleared of attempted murder.

The attack happened during a "minor disagreement" in which Lane accused the victim of stealing his cocaine at a house in Lakemead, Singleton, in the early hours of June 4.

Lane grabbed a carving knife from a block and thrust it into Mr Edwards with such force that it went right through his body, damaging his liver.

He needed emergency surgery to save his life and his gall bladder was removed.

Kerry Waitt, defending, said when Lane appeared for sentence for inflicting grievous bodily harm in prison: “These offences and his conduct in custody will go into the equation when the parole board is considering his release.”

Judge Martin Joy sentenced Lane, who admitted the offence, to two-and-a-half years imprisonment, concurrent to the 15 years he is serving.