A violent thug who beat a man with a dog chain and set his mutt on him has been locked up.

Joseph Weatherman carried out the assault in Gillingham in March and left his victim bleeding heavily in the street.

The 54-year-old, of Begonia Avenue, Twydall, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 20 months at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that on March 6, officers went to Medway Maritime Hospital to find the victim had suffered a serious injury to his head and leg.

Officers quickly established he had been in an altercation with Weatherman.

He was arrested the following morning at his home and was charged and remanded the next day.

Upon being charged at Medway Police Station, Weatherman threw a punch and split the lip of a custody sergeant.

He then punched the same officer in the throat before being restrained and further charged with two counts of assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty.

Investigating officer DC James Chichester said: "Weatherman is a dangerous and violent offender who presents a real threat to the public.

“He showed a complete disregard for his victim, who he left bleeding heavily in the street.

“Had the victim not received treatment when he did, the injuries could have undoubtedly been much more serious.

“Weatherman will now serve time in prison where he can reflect on his actions.”