An intimidating beggar who threatened shoppers in Folkestone has been jailed for more than two years.

Homeless Todd Burvill, who is said to be "known to the community for all the wrong reasons" admitted being aggressive towards members of the public and shop staff on several occasions.

The 25-year-old also pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon in a public place and using threatening words and disorderly behaviour in Folkestone town centre when he was approaching members of the public for money.

Burvill was seen approaching members of the public outside a store in Bouverie Road West in Folkestone last October 8.

When a member of staff asked him to move away Burvill told her he knew where she lived adding: "I’m going to smash your windows in and your kids will be quivering inside."

A member of the public helping the shop worker was also verbally threatened.

"Burvill is known to the community but for all the wrong reasons" PC John Weller, Kent Police

The court heard how eight days later Burvill was asked by staff at another store to move on because he was begging outside.

In response, Burvill launched into a tirade of abuse bragging: "I’m going to get you after work. See this fist? It’s only got this way through punching people."

But during a police interview he denied begging outside the store saying he had been waiting for friends. He did agree though that he had become aggressive when asked to move on.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how two months later on December 5, Burvill entered a restaurant in Sandgate Road and approached the counter to take a paper cup.

As staff tried to stop he again became abusive and told them to "come outside to fight" before grabbing a cup.

When staff called the police he turned more aggressive telling them: "I’m going to get a knife and slit your throat."

As well as the 25 month jail term, Burvill was also handed with a begging ban by the court.

It lasts for two years and prevents him from approaching people to beg or loitering in the area of any cashpoints.

Investigating officer PC John Weller from Kent Police said: "Burvill is known to the community but for all the wrong reasons.

"People should not have to feel intimidated or threatened at their places of work or the areas they live in, and we will take action against anyone who is persistently causing issues such as these in Folkestone."