A machete-wielding thug has been jailed for life after a "cruel" and "brutal" robbery in which he tortured his victim.

Richard Wiggins, 33, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court after being found guilty of the sickening attack.

The court heard Wiggins, of no fixed address, and an unnamed accomplice subjected Christopher Holloway to the ordeal at his home in Burrow Road, Folkestone.

The court was told how Mr Holloway thought he was going to die as a machete was held to his throat and part of his earlobe cut off in the robbery on March 21 last year.

Judge Adele Williams described it as a "cold, calculated and cruel crime" that would be greeted with "great revulsion by the public".

The court heard Wiggins, described as a "serious substance abuser", and another man broke into Mr Holloway's home hoping to find a "substantial amount of drugs and money".

Wiggins - who will serve at least six years in prison - was armed with a machete while his companion, who is still at large, carried an axe.

They handcuffed their victim and Wiggins held the machete to his throat while demanding to know where the drugs were kept.

Mr Holloway's earlobe was cut off with scissors and his attackers threatened to chop off his thumbs if he did not co-operate.

Although Wiggins was unable to find what he was looking for, he stole a wallet and a watch from the house.

"he is a grave danger to the public and will remain so for the foreseeable future…” – judge adele williams

Mr Holloway "believed he was going to die" in the assault, which left him with several wounds to his hands and face.

He also suffered "serious physiological trauma", the court heard.

Wiggins, who was found guilty of robbery, is said to have "boasted and bragged" while carrying out the attack - telling his victim, 'Do you know who you’re messing with?'

Before sentencing, the court heard Wiggins had 50 previous convictions for crimes committed across the country - including one for slashing a fellow inmate's face in 2005 for which he received a six-year jail term.

Mr Peter Herrity, defending, said Wiggins continued to profess his innocence.

The judge was also handed a letter of mitigation from Wiggins' pregnant girlfriend, who is expecting his baby in November.

Mr Herrity said: "His relationship with the mother of his child has brought about a salutary effect on him."

Judge Williams called Wiggins "evil" and "devoid of conscience".

"In short, a grave danger to the public and will remain so for the foreseeable future," she added.