A violent thief has been jailed for several offences where he was often identified as the culprit by his distinctive face tattoos.

A man was visiting a flat in Albany Road, Gillingham, in October 2022, when he heard loud voices upstairs and went to investigate.

He was confronted by four men, including criminal Neil Dunkley, standing next to a damaged door.

The 49-year-old said one of the occupants owed him cash and, as they were not there, demanded that the victim pay the £120 debt. He did and they left.

Dunkley, of no fixed address, was later tracked down, arrested and charged in February 2023 for theft which he pleaded guilty to in court.

In a second incident in January last year, Dunkley stole a man’s phone in Gillingham High Street.

The victim followed him, demanded that he return the mobile and then punched him.

Dunkley fell to the floor and when he got back up, took a craft knife from his pocket and threatened the man.

Police patrols were alerted and arrested Dunkley at the scene while also seizing blades from his bag.

He was charged and later pleaded guilty to theft and threatening a person with a knife.

In February last year, Dunkley pulled a knife out of his pocket and became aggressive towards two paramedics who were treating him in an ambulance.

Police officers arrested him again and he was later charged with possessing a knife in a public place which he pleaded guilty to in court.

Yesterday (January 2), Dunkley was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to a total of two years’ imprisonment and two counts of robbery were ordered to lie on file.

Detective Constable Emily Speyer said: “This criminal is a particularly violent man who regularly has a knife with him when committing offences.

“Unfortunately for him he has a distinctive appearance and local officers will often identify him as the culprit from descriptions given by witnesses.

“He is now starting a prison sentence and the streets of Medway will certainly be a safer place in his absence.”