A man who went on the hunt for a group of people through Maidstone town centre armed with a kitchen knife will spend 18 months behind bars.

Lee Ball was backed up by two women armed with knives and a baseball bat during the incident last year.

The 38-year-old, formerly of Wrangleden Road, Park Wood, was arrested for affray and possession of a knife following the incident in Station Road in July.

Mary-Ann Andrews, 32, of Acorn Place, and 36-year-old Nichola Bumstead of Wallis Avenue, were also arrested after they concealed further knives at his request and have both received suspended prison sentences.

Ball told police he was heading to Brenchley Gardens to look for a man who owed him money and who was part of a large group. He asked the women to carry knives and accompany him for his protection.

"Ball put into place plans that would have enabled him to have an assortment of knives at his disposal should the need arise." - Det Con Amy Ezzi

When questioned over the incident Bumstead told police it was her belief that Ball might have killed someone.

Andrews claimed she had not being carrying any knives, claiming the two officers found next to her had been handed to her when police arrived.

However, CCTV images showed Andrews had been in possession of one knife throughout the incident.

At a Maidstone Crown Court hearing last Tuesday the trio pleaded guilty to possessing bladed articles in public.

Bumstead and Andrews were both sentenced to 6 months, suspended for a year.

Detective Constable Amy Ezzi said: "This occurred in area where there would have been families, children and shoppers passing by.

"Ball put into place plans that would have enabled him to have an assortment of knives at his disposal should the need arise. Bumstead was carrying three for him which we discovered hidden up her sleeve and was also holding a baseball bat.

"There can never be any excuse to carry weapons on our streets and this case highlights the dangers our frontline uniformed officers can face whilst they are keeping the public safe.

"I’m pleased that the courts have recognised the dangers that Ball posed, with a custodial sentence."