A security officer who tackled two brothers who were drinking in a casino has been praised by a judge.

He confronted the two who had been ordered out of a Wilson's Casino in Week Street, Maidstone, but refused.

During an argument with Thomas and George Mcraye, the guard managed to land a punch and also evade two knife lunges.

The officer's actions were commended by the judge who said he had shown "considerable bravery".

Thomas, 38, and George, 34, both of no fixed address, were each jailed for three years and four months after admitting attempting to cause grievous bodily harm

Prosecutor John Conner told Maidstone Crown Court how the brothers were drinking alcohol "which is something that is not supposed to happen".

"The victim, who works in security in the next building, came in and was told by the brothers: 'You don't want to be messing with us'.

Thomas then walked towards him and put his head against his and the security official made a pre-emptive strike fearing violence.

It was then that George walked behind his brother and passed him a six-inch knife and Thomas began slashing at the victim, but missed, and after attempting to kick the guard threw a bar seat at him.

The incident was caught on CCTV cameras and shown to the court.

An associate of the brothers intervened and they left the premises walking towards King Street.

Officers from the town's local policing team were alerted to the incident and swiftly caught up with the brothers near a taxi rank.

One of the constables drew his Taser and both men were arrested. The knife was recovered from a nearby rubbish bin.

John Fitzgerald, for Thomas, claimed he had built up a £93 kitty on a fruit machine and wanted to collect it before leaving.

Judge Robert Lazarus told them: "The footage shown to this court has a very compelling opening frame. We can see both of you with glasses of beer in your hand.

"Those two glasses tell a different story to the ones you have told. You were spoken to by at least one member of staff and what would a normal person have done?

"You could have collected your winnings and simply left the premises, taking the beer glasses outside and that would have been the end of the matter. I am not impressed by the amount of money that was in the fruit machine."

Investigating officer PC Alex Bagnall said: "This was an extremely violent assault and it is only by chance that the security guard did not suffer serious, and potentially fatal, injuries.

"Thomas and George McRaye thought nothing of arming themselves with a knife and then attacking a man who was only trying to do his job.

"Anyone who carries a knife or other weapon when they visit Maidstone is very likely to find themselves in custody and this was certainly the case with this pair of arrogant bullies."