A vicious thug who tried to murder a pensioner with a frying pan and claw hammer was too frightened to face a judge and be sentenced.

Bully Perry Redmond, 50, swore at the terrified 71-year-old Yorkletts woman and ordered her to “get on your knee and beg for your life."

He then subjected her to a "savage and sustained" attack because she refused to lend him money.

But when he was expected to appear in front of the sentencing judge, he sent a message to his lawyers saying he was staying in his cell.

Redmond was given a 27-year extended sentence – with an immediate 22 year jail-term and an additional five years to be served on licence when he is released.

He then ordered his barrister to send him the judge’s sentencing by post.

He had smashed the nose and teeth of his victim during the incident in May last year and then ordered her to "kiss the hammer" after becoming enraged.

Redmond, of Wheatsheaf Close in Boughton-under-Blean, near Faversham, denied attempting to murder the woman but was found guilty following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

"This is one of the most savage attacks I have come across in my time as a police officer..." DI Chris Greenstreet

The jury heard how shortly before 8pm on Tuesday, May 22 the victim, who was known to Redmond, was attacked at her home with a frying pan and had an earring pulled out following a minor disagreement.

The victim managed to escape and a member of the public intervened, taking the woman inside before dialling 999. A short time later Redmond returned to the property and knocked on the front door, forcing his way inside while armed with a hammer and made the member of public leave.

Redmond then launched a vicious attack on the victim while emergency services were travelling to the scene.

The first police officers to arrive were greeted in the street by Redmond, who told them ‘I put my hands up, I done it’. He was then arrested and taken into custody while the victim was transported to a London hospital with multiple serious injuries.

Redmond admitted a lesser charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to his victim but denied attempting to murder her.

He was sentenced for attempted murder at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 31 January 2019 to 22 years in prison. He must also serve an additional five years on licence.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Chris Greenstreet of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "This is one of the most savage attacks I have come across in my time as a police officer and it is miraculous that the victim survived.

"While she was fortunate to escape with her life, the impact this incident has had on her cannot be understated. It has affected her terribly but I hope the outcome of the investigation is of some small comfort to her as she continues along her road to recovery.

"Perry Redmond has proven himself to be a very dangerous individual. Prison is the best place for him, and that is where he will remain for many years to come."

Redmond had turned on his kindly victim who had only shown him care and support after she wanted him to leave.

Judge Heather Norton said: “ In a chilling warning of what was to come, you telephoned a friend of hers’ and told her:

‘You’d better warn your mate before she comes home if she throws me out I won’t be treating her lightly like her ex-partner.

‘ I will do time to kill her and will even use a hammer if I have to’, “ she added.

After the vicious attack he was arrested he became aggressive, abusive and threatening to the police.”

He told officers: “I nearly killed her, I don’t regret what I have done. I know I’ve hit an old lady.”

Redmond later claimed he regretted what he had done saying he had been drinking all day and was in a “ bit of a rage”.

He added that when his victim failed to hand over cash and “a red mist” descended before hitting her over the head.

The judge ruled that the thug posed a “significant risk of serious harm” to others.

After the sentencing the victim praised family,. Friends and police officers who had supported her after the attack.

She emailed the Kentish Gazette and KentOnline to say: “I would like to say a big thank you to all that have supported me and my family throughout this ordeal . My family have helped me stay strong at all times l will always be grateful for that.

“I also would like to thank Lisa Tysley from the serious crime squad and Chris Green who have been there for me at ALL times .

“They and their teams worked very hard to secure the conviction with a fantastic result. So my very grateful thanks to them all.”