A deranged "psycho" launched a terrifying knife attack on a shop worker because he was homeless and wanted to return to jail, a court heard.

Ricky Smith was to admit that by being locked up he would be out of the cold and get three meals a day.

Smith got his wish the day before his 21st birthday after going into Kent Mart in Maidstone Road, Rochester, and inflicting multiple wounds on Muhammad Khan.

Now, Smith, of no fixed home, has been jailed for six years after admitting wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Under the extended sentence for public protection he will be on licence for a further four years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Smith had in 2009 been sentenced to 16 months youth custody for attacking another worker at the shop.

He went back on November 30 last year. Mr Khan, who had only been working there for three weeks, recognised Smith.

Anne Phillips, prosecuting, said shortly afterwards the victim felt a blow to the back of the head and fell forward and hit his head on a fridge.

Mr Khan was hit randomly in a frenzied assault and he then became aware that Smith had a knife. He was stabbed as he put his arms up to protect his head.

"He describes the attack as psycho and says he thought he was going to be killed," said Mrs Phillips. "He felt the blade touch his throat two or three times."

Smith told him: "If you don’t resist, I won’t hurt you. If you struggle, I can do anything I like."

A woman customer told Smith to stop, but he replied: "No, it’s too late. I have nothing left any more in my life."

Smith eventually left the shop but waited outside until police officers arrived. He fell to his knees, put his hands behind his back and said: "I didn’t want to hurt the geezer, but I just went into the shop and cut the bloke up.

"I just want to go back to prison. Geezers in there f------ my life up years ago. If they try to bail me, I will go out and hurt someone."

Mr Khan escaped with superficial wounds to his left arm, the tips of his fingers and his scalp, but was traumatised.