A 78-year-old councillor has slammed the 'lenient' 46 month sentence given to a 'creep' who brutally beat him yards from his own front door over a pocketful of change.

Councillor Pat Scanlan was on his way back from a meeting of the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association when he was set upon by lone thug, 21-year-old Jack Ludlow, of Knockhall Road, Greenhithe at around 10pm on November 7 last year.

Coun Scanlan said: "It's not even four years, I would have expected a minimum of five. 

"That creep will only serve half of that.

"The man in the street is safer with people like that locked away."

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Councillor Pat Scanlan after the attack 

The retired payroll manger suffered  a broken rib, two black eyes and bruising to his head and jaw after he was attacked in Milton Road just 30 yards from his home of 36 years.

His glasses were recovered from a nearby hedge, along with £3.15 in change which had fallen out of his pocket and which his attacker had completely missed.

Speaking shortly after the attack, Mr Scanlan told News Shopper: "As I got level with him, bang, he punched me in the face. There was no warning whatsoever.

"I staggered back and then he hit me again and the second one put me down.

"Then he shouted ‘where’s the money?’ and that was all he said, over and over again."

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He hails the support of family, friends, colleagues and the kindness of strangers as the reason for his speedy recovery but admits he is now more wary when out and about.

He added: "I made a quick recovery because of the support I've had.

"Just the other day a woman stopped me in the street and asked how I was doing and the attack was six months ago.

"I'm a little more wary now, I was also cautious but now there is street lamp on the corner of the street where the shadows made it look as if someone if creeping up behind me.

"I jump at my own shadow but I won't let it get me down."

Ludlow pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, robbery and assault by beating at Maidstone Crown Court on April 10.

He was sentenced to 46 months in prison at the same court this afternoon (April 17).