A MAN who viciously attacked two Job Centre security guards after being told his benefits had been axed, has admitted the assaults.

Paul Renford, aged 44, of Ellenborough Road, North Cray, has pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court, to GBH with intent, two charges of actual bodily harm and one of common assault, involving the guards and two police officers.

A fourth charge of possessing an offensive weapon was left on file.

The court heard how Renford was banned from the Job Centre in Bexleyheath Broadway in January.

But on February 18 he turned up again and was told he would no longer be receiving any benefits.

Renford left, but returned 50 minutes later armed with a knuckle duster, and attacked two of the centre’s security guards.

One 40-year-old guard was knocked unconscious and his jaw was broken in three places. He also suffered a torn inner eardrum.

The second guard, also aged 40, who went to his colleague’s aid, needed stitches in a split lip.

Both were taken to hospital.

Police arrived on the scene within three minutes, but Renford had already gone.

A witness agreed to go with the police officers and drive around Bexleyheath looking for Renford.

He was spotted by Bexleyheath clock tower.

But when officers went to arrest him, Renford became violent.

He kicked one of the policemen so hard, he left a footprint on the officer’s face.

Renford tried to strangle the second officer.

He has been in custody since his arrest and will remain locked up until he is sentenced on August 13.

Detective Constable Kevin Holyoake, from Bexley CID, said: “Renford is an exceptionally violent and dangerous individual who repeatedly threatened and abused staff at the Job Centre.

“They had to deal with his outbursts for months because he was not getting his own way.”