Man jailed after machete attack and drugs offences in Brighton

A man who threatened two people with a machete in broad daylight has been jailed for more than four years.

Theo Van Der Vlugt, 21, of Washington Street in Brighton, was initially under investigation following his arrest on 17 January for drugs offences in the area. He was released on bail while further enquiries were carried out in connection to his involvement in supplying Class A drugs.

While on bail, Van Der Vlugt was involved in a violent incident in Dyke Road, Brighton, on 7 April.

Armed with a machete, he approached two men and began swinging the weapon at them, narrowly avoiding causing serious injury.

The incident was reported to police, and a search of the area was carried out, but Van Der Vlugt had already fled the scene.

An investigation was launched, and officers quickly identified a suspect. Van Der Vlugt was arrested four days later at his home address, where he was also found in possession of Class A and Class B drugs.

He was taken into custody and charged the following day with:
· Threatening a person with a blade in a public place
· Four counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug
· Possession of Class A drugs
· Possession of Class B drugs

Van Der Vlugt appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 14 April, and was remanded into custody ahead of further court proceedings.

He pleaded guilty to all offences on 14 May, and was sentenced the following day at Lewes Crown Court to four years and two months in prison.

Investigating officer, PC Annie Lees said,
"This was a complex investigation involving a violent knife incident that could very easily have ended in tragedy.

"As well as this, Van Der Vlugt was also operating a drugs line into Brighton, causing significant harm to our communities.

"As this case concludes, we’ve not only removed a dangerous offender from the streets, but also disrupted part of the criminal network he was fuelling.

“We would also like to thank everyone who supported the investigation, providing the key information that assisted us in reaching this outcome."