A jealous ex-boyfriend who crashed his car into a van, injuring his former friend, has been jailed.

Justin Beard, 30, of River Drive, Strood, sent threatening text messages to his ex-partner and friend Daniel Gosling, at around 3.20pm on Saturday, December 10, as he believed they had started a relationship.

Beard drove to Vicarage Road, Strood, where his ex-partner was waiting to talk to him.

Mr Gosling, who is in his 20s, was also there and tried to talk to Beard, who then drove away.

A few minutes later he drove back towards Mr Gosling who was standing near a parked van.

Beard hit the van which knocked his friend over.

His car became stuck and Beard tried to reverse it, in an attempt to run Mr Gosling over.

"Beard carried out a prolonged campaign of hate" - PC Joanne Hammond

Beard then got out of his car with a baseball bat and started walking toward Mr Gosling before he was confronted by his former partner.

He ran away when the van owner arrived.

Mr Gosling was taken to hospital with a broken ankle.

Beard went on the run from police and continued to threaten him and his former partner.

He was arrested at Gravesend Train Station on Friday, December 16, after he was listed as one of Kent's Most Wanted.

Beard was jailed for three years and nine months at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, January 13, for grievous bodily harm with intent and making threats to kill.

Investigating officer, PC Joanne Hammond, said: "Fuelled by jealousy and anger Beard carried out a prolonged campaign of hate against a former partner and friend resulting in a violent attack which left his victim with a broken ankle.

"He thought he could evade police but officers continued to investigate and he was soon found and bought to justice."