AN ANGRY thug smashed a lamp over his head before chasing after a woman and her neighbour with a knife.

Shawn Beer was jailed after the “terrifying” incident at Polegate in September.

In a separate attack against Gemma Milford, he grabbed her by the throat and squeezed.

At Hove Crown Court, the 45-year-old ground worker was jailed for a total of 21 months.

Beverley Cripps, prosecuting, said Beer had admitted the offences of affray, possessing a bladed article, criminal damage and common assault on September 18, and another assault in August this year.

Aidan Harvey, defending, said his client has anger management problems and often takes out his frustration on himself.

He said that despite his drug and alcohol problems, he was capable of completing a community order and unpaid work, and asked the judge to suspend the sentence.

But Mr Harvey did conceded that the experience would have been terrifying for Ms Milford and her neighbour.

Judge David Rennie said the case “sailed past the custody threshold” and said he could not see how he could justify suspending the sentence.

He said: “Shawn Beer, I give you maximum credit for pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“You have said you have no direct memory of these events. For Gemma Milford it was terrifying and utterly appalling.

““On more than one occasion you grabbed her around the neck. She could only have thought her life was at risk.

“You smashed things up and harmed yourself, before finally running towards her and a neighbour with a knife. It is not surprising they were both in fear for their lives.

“She explains how much harm you have caused her. Only an immediate prison sentence can be justified.”