A 24-year-old drunk who threatened to kill staff at a Wetherspoon pub while holding a handful of steak knives has been jailed.

John Hazelgrove marched into the kitchen of the Saxon Shore in Central Parade, Herne Bay, and smashed a glass door panel after throwing a chip pan basket at it on Wednesday, August 15.

He was asked to leave, but screamed at a member of staff, pushed him against a counter and grabbed a handful of steak knives after one of the pub's workers left the room.

Pointing the blades at the victim’s throat and stomach, Hazelgrove, who was drunk at the time, said: "Get him down here or I’ll kill you."

His actions were also seen by a third member of staff who was threatened during the incident, but was able to raise the alarm with the duty manager.

Hazelgrove, of Rowland Drive in Greenhill, was later arrested by police after they found him in the Memorial Park still holding one of the steak knives.

At Canterbury Crown Court on January 14, he initially denied the charges but then pleaded guilty to affray, making threats to kill and having a bladed article.

He was sentenced last month to 30 months in prison.

Investigating officer PC Bradley Geear said: "Hazelgrove continually denied his involvement in this incident despite the evidence against him.

"He showed no remorse for his actions and waited until the last possible minute to change his plea to guilty.

"The effect of his actions on the victims is not to be underestimated, and it has left them having to deal with the mental scars for years to come.

"I am glad the courts have reflected the serious nature of the offence in their sentencing and hope that Hazelgrove will now use this time to reflect on his actions.

"Kent Police are committed to dealing with serious violence and will always seek to bring offenders to justice."

His sentencing comes just days after a man in his 20s was airlifted to a London hospital after sustaining injuries consistent with stab wounds during an attack at the Saxon Shore.