A Swanley man, who attacked South Darenth residents during a burglary at their home, has been jailed for 32 months.

Daniel Howe, 20, of Hollytree Avenue, entered a property in Esparto Way and stole a TV and a mobile phone at about 2am on August 28 last year, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

The owners of the property were disturbed by the noise - but when they confronted Howe he assaulted them.

They were left with bruises to their wrists as a result.

Later that day the victim met with some friends and one friend received a phone call from Howe stating the victim could have their phone back if they agreed not to press charges.

They then met at a pub in Horton Road and during this meeting Howe assaulted the victim and her friends.

He also warned them that they would regret pressing charges, the court was told.

Howe pleaded guilty to burglary, common assault and intimidating a witness.

He committed the crimes despite being on a conditional discharge and having a restraining order against him.

He was sentenced on January 15.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jeremy Chapman said: “Howe disrupted his victim in the middle of the night and subjected them to what must have been a horrifying ordeal.

“He then went on to threaten them a second time on the same day, along with the victim’s friends. His actions show a complete lack of respect towards his victims.

“Given everything he subjected them to they showed an incredible amount of bravery to not only report Howe but support this investigation. I would like to thank them for their help.”