A knife-wielding thug attacked an elderly woman on her doorstep after she refused to wash his tracksuit.

Michael Leahy was drunk and high on cocaine when he called at the pensioner’s Swanley home just after 6pm.

The 61-year-old had come armed with a serrated knife which he repeatedly jabbed towards her face during the terrifying ordeal near London Road.

The pensioner had previously done laundry for Leahy as a favour when his washing machine was broken.

But when the elderly woman denied his demand he repaid her earlier kindness with violence and Leahy gripped her neck.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that, at the same time, he was holding a serrated blade which he repeatedly jabbed towards her face, stomach and arms.

A struggle ensued for several minutes before another elderly person came to the victim’s aid, and between them they managed to push Leahy out of the property.

The pensioner suffered cuts, abrasions and bruising but fortunately avoided serious injury.

The attack happened in February of this year.

Leahy - previously of Oliver Road, Swanley - was arrested at the scene and the weapon found discarded in the victim’s home.

He admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm but denied a more serious charge of attempted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

However, he was found guilty after a trial.

On Tuesday (December 10) Leahy was sentenced to six years and three months in prison, of which he must serve at least two-thirds before he can apply for parole.

Detective Constable Chris Welham said: “Leahy left his victim in genuine fear for her life, repaying her earlier kindness with a savage and terrifying attack.

“He claims to have no memory whatsoever of the assault having told us that he had consumed large volumes of vodka as well as quantities of cocaine.

“I do hope the victim can take comfort and reassurance now that he has been jailed, and that when he does eventually get released he will also be subject to a 10-year restraining order”.