Brighton man jailed after machete attack
Theo Van Der Vlugt was already on bail for another offence
Last updated 10th Jun 2025
A man from Brighton has been jailed for four years and two months after threatening two people with a machete in April this year.
Theo Van Der Vlugt, who's 21-years-old, approached two men with a machete on Dyke Road, Brighton on 7th April.
He reportedly swung the machete at them, just missing causing serious injury.
This happened whilst he was already on bail and under investigation for drug offences (involvement in supplying Class A drugs) in the area.
He was arrested four days later at his home and was also found with Class A and B drugs.
A Sussex police spokesperson said, "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 14th April, and was remanded into custody ahead of further court proceedings.
"He pleaded guilty to all offences on 14th May, and was sentenced the following day at Lewes Crown Court".
The investigating officer, police constable 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."