A thief knifed security staff in a Folkestone town centre supermarket prompting calls to arm them in stab-proof vests.

The addict also sunk his teeth into a police officer triggering a "fearful" wait for blood-test results, to rule out infection.

David Fisher, 41, launched his frenzied attack after guards thwarted his elaborate scam to steal alcohol from Asda in Bouverie Place, Folkestone.

Concealing a blade, Fisher was seen moving bottles of Jack Daniels and cognac by security into CCTV black-spots.

When Jack De Cruz apprehended Fisher he immediately started lashing out with the blade, slicing through his trousers.

Fisher slashed security boss Andrew Bates in the arm and took a bite out of off-duty officer Dominic Vinall-Smith hands, when they rushed to Mr De Cruz’s aid.

Prosecutor Kieran Brand told Canterbury Crown Court Mr Bates will exercise “more caution” and is considering gearing Bouverie Shopping Centre security with anti-stab vests.

The barrister told how Mr Vinall-Smith required ongoing medical care after Fisher bit through his skin.

Reading a statement from the officer in court, he said: “My family, including my wife, my four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son observed this incident.

“They have never seen anything like it, it is fair to say it caused them great distress at the time and afterwards.

“Our attention has now turned to the bite on my hand, which at the time of writing is an open wound.

“I have been to my hospital and I have been prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.

“I will likely be having a blood test to find out if anything else has happened.”

A judge sympathised with the officer and deplored Fisher for bearing teeth, alluding to infection risks.

Recorder Mr Jeffrey Yearwood said: “In this day and age bites are an extremely dangerous injury to receive.

“One understands the fear of that officer, who is now the subject of medical treatment.

“Those who indulge in drugs and the like are well aware of that threat and quite happy to use it on those who get in their way.

“That is what has happened here, the use of a knife and the use of teeth.”

Mitigating, Phil Rowley explained his client, who has 11 convictions for 25 offences, became financially desperate after cuts to benefits.

He added the attack was “out of character” given Fisher’s crimes are largely ones of dishonesty.

Fisher, of Palmer Drive in Hythe, was jailed for 27 months for the attacks on October 26.

He pleaded guilty to wounding, two counts of assault, theft of alcohol and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place at a previous hearing.

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