AN ALCOHOLIC who launched an unprovoked homophobic attack on another man and assaulted a police officer has been jailed.

John Smith, of Cobbetts Ride, Tunbridge Wells, pleaded guilty to common assault, using threatening words or behaviour and assaulting a police officer, as well as two counts of burglary.

Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court heard on Friday how 28-year-old Smith launched a drunken assault on Nicholas Thake on September 16.

Prosecuting, James Nichols said: "Police received a call from the victim saying there was a man kicking his door and he was being threatened by the defendant telling him 'I don't care if you're gay, I'm going to stab you and shoot you'.

"Before police officers arrived, the defendant climbed up the drain pipe, got inside a bathroom window and grabbed Mr Thake round the throat."

When police arrived to arrest Smith, he was aggressive and spat at PC Stuart Fotheringham.

The court also heard earlier last month, Smith, while on bail, attempted to steal from two businesses in Tunbridge Wells – Summerfield Lodge Veterinary Surgery and Durnell Marketing.

Defending, Matthew Nickolls said Smith was remorseful.

Smith was put behind bars for a total of 160 days after pleading guilty to all five offences.