A knifeman who slashed a dog walker in a row over his pet fouling in a car park has been jailed.

The victim was walking his dogs in Reculver Drive, Herne Bay when he was attacked by dagger-wielding Alan White, leaving him with a cut to his arm.

Canterbury Crown Court heard before the violence erupted, the victim heard a woman shouting abuse at him about his pets fouling and the mess not being picked up.

Donna East, prosecuting, said: “The victim’s dog was not responsible but he picked the mess up anyway and put it in a bin.

“He went over to speak to the woman and White produced a knife which the victim described as a dagger. He put his arms out to protect himself and was cut on the forearm.”

The victim walked away and White and the woman drove off. A member of the public saw what happened and went home and asked his wife to ring the police.

White’s car was seen in Victoria Road, Herne Bay and he was arrested. His address in Hoath was searched and several knives, a knife holster and a knife belt were found.

“This clearly demonstrates an interest in knives,” Miss East said.

White, 40, a former member of the Royal Green Jackets, admitted affray and possessing a knife in a public place on July 21.

He was jailed for 12 months.

White had a number of previous convictions for driving with excess alcohol, theft, robbery, possessing drugs, having an air weapon in a public place and shoplifting. He was also in breach of a conditional discharge.

"Those who carry knives in a public place commit a serious crime because they are potential deadly weapons" - Judge Simon James

Paul Hogben, defending, said another man walking his dog at the time said he saw the victim approach the car and start talking through the open window.

“It quickly became heated,” Mr Hogben said. “White opened the car door and the victim swung a punch which connected with White’s head.”

Mr Hogben said White and his partner drove to the car park to walk their dog.

“He accepts he had a knife because he was going to cut up some chicken to feed his dog,” Mr Hogben said. “The victim made no reference in his statement to punching White.”

Mr Hogben said White, who served with the Royal Green Jackets from 1995 to 1998, now suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and social phobias and was abusing class A drugs.

“He was not the sole aggressor in the course of this incident and reacted to a punch on the head by the victim,” Mr Hogben added.

Judge Simon James told White: “Those who carry knives in a public place commit a serious crime because they are potential deadly weapons.”

After the hearing, investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Adelsberg said: "White’s aggressive and spontaneous actions made the victim fear for his life and no one should be put through such an ordeal.

"He could have been seriously injured. We are only pleased we were able to locate White quickly and that he is now receiving time in prison where he can no longer be threatening towards the public."