Clacton machete attacker jailed for eight years
Liam Lofting went on the run after the attack in May 2020
A man who stabbed another with a machete in Clacton has been jailed for eight years.
Liam Lofting attacked the 22-year-old as he entered flats in Marine Parade West last May, before going on the run.
Lofting, who was armed with a machete, stabbed him through the arm with the blade, causing life threatening injuries.
The victim managed to flee and was taken to hospital by a friend.
Lofting went on the run following the assault on 25 May last year, but was caught on 5 June.
The 23-year-old, of North Road, Clacton, initially denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent but changed his plea to guilty on 19 March this year.
He was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 15 July.
The court heard Lofting and the victim knew each other but it remains unclear what his motive was.
Detective Sergeant Dan Jeffries said:
“The victim suffered an horrific wound to his arm, which very nearly claimed his life.
“Thankfully he survived, but he has been left with life-changing injuries and the psychological impact can also not be underestimated.
“Officers from various teams across Essex Police worked to catch Lofting and gather the evidence against him, which gave him no option but to change his plea to guilty.
“Knife crime devastates lives and we will relentlessly pursue violent offenders such as Lofting and do everything in our power to put them behind bars.
“Across Essex we’re driving down weapons and violence with injury offences through enforcement, education and intervention.
“But we also need the community’s help to tell us if they know someone who is carrying a weapon.”