A 21-year-old man from Brighton has been jailed for over four years after threatening two people with a machete in broad daylight and being convicted of multiple drug offences.
Theo Van Der Vlugt, of Washington Street, Brighton, was first arrested on 17 January in connection with a Class A drug supply investigation. He was released on bail as enquiries continued — but while on bail, he went on to commit a violent offence.
Machete Attack on Dyke Road
On 7 April, Van Der Vlugt confronted two men on Dyke Road, swinging a machete at them. Though no one was injured, police described the incident as a near-miss that could have ended in tragedy.
Van Der Vlugt fled before officers arrived but was arrested four days later at his home. Police also found Class A and Class B drugs at the property.
Charges and Conviction
He was charged with:
-
Threatening a person with a blade in a public place
-
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 charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody. On 15 May, he was sentenced to four years and two months’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court.
Police Statement
PC Annie Lees, the investigating officer, commented:
“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.
We’ve not only removed a dangerous offender from the streets, but also disrupted part of the criminal network he was fuelling.”
Community Impact
Sussex Police continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity involving drug dealing or weapons offences, noting that community intelligence plays a vital role in protecting neighbourhoods.
