A thug has been jailed for six-and-a-half years for breaking into a home and robbing a man while threatening him with a knife.

Drug addict Paul Appleford put the blade to one of Dean Akers's ears and threatened to cut it off.

A judge said Mr Akers and Matthew Gillard suffered a terrifying ordeal at the flat in Rochester.

Appleford, of Medhurst Gardens, Gravesend, admitted robbery and two assault charges.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 26-year-old and an accomplice went to the flat on February 7 and broke in intending to rob.

Mr Akers was asked for £600 for a drug debt and Mr Gillard was hit a few times to the face, but he did not retaliate.

The blade was put to Mrs Akers's stomach and throat. Money was demanded but they left with only £7 and a £500 computer.

Appleford was sentenced to six years for the robbery and assault offences and six months consecutive for breach of a suspended sentence.

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