A drink driver smashed into parked cars before threatening to "slash up" residents who tried to stop him fleeing the scene.

Nicholas Farrow, 24, hurtled his Audi into two vehicles on Millmead Road, Margate, causing an almighty noise" in the early hours of the morning.

Concealing a knife, the former soldier promised residents who had rushed out their homes he was staying put to hand over his insurance details.

But he then bolted down an alleyway after gathering his belongings, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

Neighbours Chloe and Michael Bond gave chase but Farrow drew a 4-5 inch blade, telling them: "I will slash you up".

The court heard the incident is the third time Farrow has been convicted of carrying a weapon, in what Judge James O'Mahony called "a very serious matter indeed".

“You were drunk, and there are no two ways about it at 1am.

“You crashed into a Ford Fiesta causing an ongoing impact into another vehicle causing significant damage, there was an almighty noise,” he told Farrow.

“Chloe Bond and Michael Bond tried to stop you from leaving, you said: 'I will slash you up'.

“You were squaring up to the people concerned, you were over the legal limit, and what that means it’s a very serious matter indeed.”

The court heard officers soon located Farrow, of Margate, intoxicated and aggressive nearby.

Following his arrest Farrow initially denied the crime but pleaded guilty before trial in November.

The knife has never been recovered following the incident on October 13 last year, the court heard.

Mitigating, Oliver Kirk explained his client is an ex-soldier now with a stable job and a family who depends on him.

Judge O'Mahony praised Mr and Mrs Bond's bravery before jailing Farrow for 15 months and disqualifying him from driving for a year and a half.

Farrow held his head in his hands, becoming visibly upset in the dock as the judge approached his verdict.

As he was led to the cells he told his partner in the public gallery: "I love you".

Farrow was convicted of possession of a knife, threatening behaviour, drink driving, and driving without insurance.

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