A father accused of a double stabbing with a pair of scissors broken in two has spoken of his relief at being cleared of wounding.

Nathan Spence was acquitted by a jury of two offences over the incident that left Michael Clark with blood pouring from his neck.

The 25-year-old, who claimed he acted in self-defence, had been banned from coming to Medway since the incident and has been living in the New Hythe area.

Mr Spence, of James Street, Gillingham, said: "There had been a bit of staring going on when I saw Michael Clarke, but I thought we had sorted it as we spoke and then shook hands, and I thought that was the end of it."

But later that day, father-of-one Mr Spence, who had not long before had an operation on his leg to repair a sports injury, encountered Mr Clarke and friend Jake West, who also suffered a wound to his back.

"i was acting in self-defence, and i'm thankful the jury could see the whole picture​..." – Nathan Spence

As his leg was in a brace and he could not run, Mr Spence admitted he took the scissors with him in case something happened.

Mr Spence said: "I went to the shop and on the way back I had to walk past them (Clarke and West). They moved over to the side, as if to let me pass, but as I did so, they started hitting me."

Mr Spence said he was scared he would be seriously injured so he took the scissors out of his waistband and tried to defend himself.

He said: "I didn't realise what was happening. I was almost knocked out and was just defending myself.

"I do regret the outcome of the situation, but there was just nothing else I could do. I am relieved he did not die, he's a father like me.

"As soon as the police arrived, I told them and admitted what had happened. I told them everything from the beginning."

Mr Spence said he now wants to get on with his life and move back to Medway to be near his son.

He added: "I'm not proud of it - a man nearly died. But I was acting in self-defence, and I'm thankful the jury could see the whole picture."