A thug who left a have-a-go hero permanently disfigured by slashing him across the face has been jailed for six years.

Matthew Bray bravely stepped in when he saw Marcus Campbell attacking his girlfriend in the street.

The victim, who needed 26 stitches in the wound, was at Maidstone Crown Court to hear a judge praise his actions and recommend him for a High Sheriff’s commendation.

Mr Bray, from Chatham, was at an Indian takeaway in Watling Street, Gillingham, on December 12 last year when he heard a commotion outside.

He went outside to find Campbell holding a woman against a shop front.

Mr Bray was concerned and walked towards the couple. Campbell said "Come on then" and punched Mr Bray in the left eye, the court heard..

Mr Bray fought back but was kicked in the ribs. He tried to back away, telling Campbell to "leave it out". He retreated to a petrol station, where he thought there would be CCTV cameras.

Campbell continued swinging punches and threatened: "I am going to slit your throat. I am going to cut you up."

He went to get something from his girlfriend’s handbag and then lashed out. He claimed he slashed Mr Bray with an object picked up from the ground.

Matthew Bray describes what happened and how he felt during the attack

Jo Cope, prosecuting said Campbell eventually ran off. Mr Bray was taken to Medway Hospital and then transferred to the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

After treatment for a 5cm long cut to his face, he was sent back to Medway Hospital, where he remained for a week.

Cambell, of Rotary Gardens, Gillingham, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing drugs.

Mrs Cope said Campbell had four months earlier been caught with small amounts of heroin and crack cocaine at the Railway Hotel in Gillingham.

Detective Constable Steve Goldsmith from Kent Police, who led the investigation, said: "We are really satisfied with the sentence given to Campbell in relation to both of these offences. This should act as a serious deterrent to anyone thinking of carrying out an attack such as this."

• More on this story in Monday's print edition