by Keith Hunt

A horror film turned into terrifying reality after a thug took revenge on his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend, a court heard.

Justin Walker put on a scary mask like the one used in the Halloween films and broke into the couple's home at night.

Sarah Ellis woke up to see a figure at the end of the bed armed with a knife. She knew it was Walker because she had been with him when he bought the mask.

Miss Ellis's boyfriend Adam Stevens was stabbed twice before he managed to escape and leap over a 7ft wall to safety, injuring his ankle.

Walker, of Milburn Road, Gillingham, was jailed for six years on Wednesday after admitting unlawful wounding and aggravated burglary.

A judge told the 23-year-old he was only just persuaded he should not lock him up indefinitely for public protection.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Walker and Miss Ellis had been in a relationship, but separated about three weeks before the attack at her Chatham home.

In the early hours of July 30 last year, Miss Ellis heard a noise and then saw the figure dressed in a black boiler suit and wearing a mask, the same type worn by Michael Myers in Halloween.

Miss Ellis tried to wake up Mr Stevens, but Walker pounced on the bed, wielding the knife taken from the kitchen.

Max Baines, prosecuting, said Mr Stevens awoke to see Walker coming towards him with the weapon and feeling a sharp pain in his rib cage. The victim managed to push Walker against a wall and flee.
Walker shouted at Miss Ellis that voices in his head were telling him to kill her.
Their two children, aged two months and two years, and Miss Ellis's four-year-old sister woke up screaming in other rooms.

Mr Baines said Walker lifted up his mask and tried to go and see his children. Miss Ellis barred his way and he eventually left.

She locked the door, but heard Walker kicking it. She could hear the knife scratching the door.

Miss Ellis called the police and Walker was arrested at his mother's home.
Mr Walker was treated in hospital for a chest wound and cut behind his right ear.

Judge described it as a "terrifying experience" for Miss Ellis and Mr Stevens.

Justin Walker told police he was still in love with Miss Ellis and went to her home intending to scare Mr Stevens.

He said he wanted the victim to think he was such a psychopath he would leave Miss Ellis.
"I know what I have done is wrong," he said. "I just want my old life back."

Shauna Ritchie, defending, said Walker described hatching a ridiculous plan which was horrific.
"He intended to cause maximum fear," she said. "He is full of regret."

Miss Ritchie said Walker previously had difficulties with depression, suicidal thoughts and a personality disorder.
He was taking an anti-psychotic drug.