Brighton man jailed for machete rampage and drug crimes
Daylight Machete Threat Shocks Brighton
A 21-year-old man from Brighton has been locked up for over four years after terrifying two men with a machete in broad daylight – and being caught with a stash of illegal drugs.
Theo Van Der Vlugt, from Washington Street, was first picked up on 17 January linked to a Class A drug supply probe. Although released on bail, he went on to commit a violent crime before his case was closed.
Machete Attack on Dyke Road
On 7 April, Van Der Vlugt menaced two men on Dyke Road, wildly swinging a machete at them. Luckily, no one was hurt, but police said it was a “near-miss” that could have ended in disaster.
Van Der Vlugt fled before cops arrived but was arrested four days later at his home, where officers also discovered Class A and Class B drugs.
Multiple Charges Lead to Heavy Sentence
He faced charges including:
- Threatening a person with a blade in public
- Four counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
- Possession of Class A drugs
- Possession of Class B drugs
Van Der Vlugt pleaded guilty to all counts at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and was locked up. On 15 May, Lewes Crown Court sentenced him to four years and two months behind bars.
Police Celebrate Major Win
PC Annie Lees, lead investigator, said:
“This investigation took down a violent offender whose machete attack could have ended in tragedy.Van Der Vlugt was also running a drug line in Brighton, causing serious harm to our communities.We’ve not only taken him off the streets but also disrupted a key part of the criminal network he supported.”
Community Urged to Stay Vigilant
sussex.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sussex Police call on locals to report suspicious drug dealing and weapons offences. They stress that community tips are crucial to keeping neighbourhoods safe.
