A thug who once locked up for killing a man in a vicious stabbing has been given a prison sentence for robbing a Medway betting shop.

Steven Fields was jailed for eight months for the latest offence and has served the sentence on remand.

The 26-year-old, said to be addicted to drink and gambling, was recalled to prison when on licence from a 12-month sentence for affray and the parole board will decide when to release him.

But a judge told Fields: “On any basis, the hope is you will be released relatively soon.”

Fields was sentenced to seven years in 2001 for the manslaughter of Whitstable Rugby Club player Troy Comins, 26.

The sentence was reduced to five years on appeal.

Fields, formerly of Kimberley Close, Dover, was released from an extended sentence for affray, including 12 months jail and a further two years licence, on December 18 last year.

Two days later he walked into Corals bookmakers in Strood and robbed it of £200 after threatening to stab a female member of staff.

When arrested, Fields said he had been drunk. He also admitted being addicted to gambling and said he wanted money.

He pleaded guilty to robbery.

Harry Potter, defending, had told the judge Fields’s background was “one of misfortune”.

He was a different person when he had not been drinking.

“Addictions to alcohol and gambling are matters he is going to have to deal with,” he said.