by Keith Hunt

A man who carried out a vicious attack with a Samurai sword has been jailed for four years.

Bill Billingham tried to bring the weapon down on Clayton McLean's head after approaching him in Church Path, Gillingham, on June 20.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the victim had been having problems with 26-year-old Billingham since December 2007.

He was talking with friends Liam Hudson, his younger brother and David Chalmers when Billingham appeared and confronted him, asking: "Do you want to have it?"

He appeared to be concealing something behind him. He then attacked Mr McLean, who cut his hand as he grabbed it.

Billingham tried to strike Mr McLean's head but he raised his arm in self-defence and was cut there.

Billingham, of Silverweed Road, Chatham, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Louise Oakley, defending, said there had been an ongoing dispute and Billingham had feelings that caused him to arm himself.

She added: "He is not someone who habitually carries weapons."

Judge Martin Joy said it was an extremely serious offence as serious injuries were inflicted.