A man was punched and kicked to the ground in a town centre before being robbed.

Having beaten his victim, Damien McCann stole a phone from him while he lay helpless on the floor before running away.

The man was jumped from behind at Maidstone Bus Station on the evening of January 5, 2020.

The victim, who was known to McCann, was left with multiple injuries including a fractured tooth.

The 28-year-old of Brompton Lane, Strood, was later arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery.

He appeared at Maidstone Crown Court and pleaded not guilty.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Giles said: “McCann was responsible for a truly cowardly assault, and he has demonstrated little remorse by denying the charges and forcing the victim to relive the experience in court.”

But, following a trial, he was convicted and on September 9 he was jailed for two years and nine months.

DC Giles added: “The sentence imposed reflects the viciousness of McCann’s attack and I hope it brings some comfort and reassurance to the victim and his family.”