A violent blackmailer who tried to extort cash from a vulnerable victim, who was threatened that his toe would be cut off, has been given an extended 12 year sentence.

Leon Henry, 28, attacked the 49-year-old victim at George Pope Road, Norwich slashing his cheek in a bid to get him to hand over £400 from his benefit cash and then later returned with another man, to make further threats to the victim, including one that his toe would be cut off, Norwich Crown Court heard.

The court heard he also robbed the victim's friend of £200.

Henry of Geoffrey Watling Way, Norwich, was convicted of two charges of blackmail, two charges of unlawful wounding, robbery and assault by beating. Henry had denied all offences.

John Farmer, prosecuting, said in an impact statement the victim said the offences had led to him having panic attacks and made him feel like a prisoner in his own home. He said he felt 'extremely intimidated' by what happened.

Imposing a 12-year extended sentence, Recorder Frank Burton told Henry, who appeared by video link from Norwich prison, that he would serve eight years in jail and then be on an extended four year licence.

He said reports showed Henry posed a 'high risk of serious harm to the public.'

Recorder Burton said they were serious matters and said: ''You appear to show no remorse.'

He said the two victims in the case were both vulnerable and he also imposed a restraining order on Henry making any contact with them in the future.

Jude Durr, for Henry, said that it remains his case that he did not commit the offences although Mr Durr acknowledged that it was a campaign of 'bullying' involving the two men, who were former friends.

During the trial the victim, who gave evidence from behind a screen, described how Henry had dragged a blade across his face with enough force to draw blood and got him to take off his sock and threatened to cut off his toe.

He eventually went to police as he realised Henry would keep coming back asking for cash.