A robber who committed a bizarre raid at a shop and then attacked his father has been jailed for just over two years.

Sentence had been adjourned on Gary Foy to allow the preparation of a psychiatric report.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he calmly walked into the Coop in Sheerness High Street without a disguise at about 9.30pm on May 5 and then leapt over the counter and terrorised a shop assistant.

Brandishing a spanner above his head, Foy grabbed hold of Erin Banks and ordered her to open the till.

She tried to explain she did not have a key to do so but he continued to make threats and manhandled her, telling her he would count down from five.

Prosecutor Alexander Walker said Foy started the countdown but other staff members tried to intervene. He warned: “I will be back and I will smash your brains in.”

He grabbed two packs of beer before leaving the store and cycling off.

About two hours later he went to his father Steven Foy’s home in Sheerness holding a can of lager. A struggle began after Mr Foy told his son he would not be allowed in because he had been drinking.

"Having been fuelled by drink, Foy carried out a nasty attack on a family member and did not stop once during this incident to think about his behaviour or pain he was inflicting" - Detective Constable Iain Joyce

Foy forced his way in and grabbed his father by the neck with both hands. Mr Foy managed to push him out of the door. Blows were exchanged outside.

A knife Foy had armed himself with was found in the hallway. When arrested, he threatened officers and told them: “What the ----. I have got mental health.”

Mr Walker said Foy had an extensive history of carrying weapons and violence.

The 30-year-old, of Botany Close, Sheerness, admitted attempted robbery while armed with a spanner, theft, assault causing actual bodily harm and having a bladed article in Fonblanque Road.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC on Friday sentenced Foy to two years and four months.

Commenting on the sentence, investigating officer Detective Constable Iain Joyce said: "Having been fuelled by drink, Foy carried out a nasty attack on a family member and did not stop once during this incident to think about his behaviour or pain he was inflicting.

"I hope his sentence gives him the time needed to reflect on his lifestyle in the hope he can come out the other side a better person."