A violent thug who attacked a stranger with a machete until it broke - and then grabbed another weapon to continue his brutal assault - has been jailed for 13 years.

Anthony Charles, 48, inflicted injuries to his victim's head and body in Gillingham as his friends desperately tried to get him to safety.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 28-year-old victim was in a vehicle with some friends after a night out in London when they stopped outside a house in Victoria Street at around 11.45am on Sunday, February 12 last year.

Two women went inside the house and emerged soon after, followed by Charles who started shouting at the victim.

Charles threatened to hurt the victim as he walked back to the car with the two women.

Charles then launched himself at the victim and hit him over the back of the head with the machete.

The victim got up and ran to the vehicle, but his friend was having difficulty starting the engine.

Charles then pulled open the car door and continued to hit the victim on his left leg with the machete, before the weapon broke.

Charles then ran to his house before returning with another weapon, but the victim’s friend was able to start the car and drive away. They then alerted an on-duty police officer in nearby Mill Road.

The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Charles was arrested the following day after officers raided his house, and subsequently charged.

Charles, of James Street, Gillingham, pleaded not guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was found guilty following a week-long trial in November, and sentenced today.

After the hearing, investigating officer Detective Constable Terence Hanlon said: "This was an extremely nasty unprovoked incident which saw Charles intent on hurting the victim as much as he could by not only using a machete, but then attempting to use a second weapon to continue to hurt him after the first weapon broke.

"He denied his actions, putting the victim and others through a trial which shows his lack of remorse and regret for his actions, and I hope today’s sentencing shows the seriousness of this incident."