A THUG has been locked up for 12 years after slashing a man across the face with a machete, leaving his victim needing 185 stitches.

Dylan Awulonu had accompanied another man when they met the victim to sell him drugs in Gascoigne Road, Colchester, at around 4.30am on December 22, 2019.

They got into an argument, but after the victim walked away, 19-year-old Awulonu struck him across the face with a machete.

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The victim was left with an injury which ran from his eyebrow to the corner of his mouth and he needed 185 stitches.

His eye socket had also been shattered and he needed a metal plate to be fitted.

The victim was able to identify Awulonu through the nickname ‘Didi’ and said he lived on the Greenstead Estate.

When officers carried out a search of Awulonu’s home address in Avon Way, Colchester later the same day his mother referred to him as ‘Didi’ and officers saw him attempted to cover a knife with a t-shirt.

He was arrested and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a blade.

He denied the charges but was convicted following a trial at Ipswich Crown Court.

At the same court today, he was jailed for a total of 12 years.

Investigating officer Avive Parkes, from Colchester CID, said: “Dylan Awulonu used extreme violence against the victim leaving him with a significant injury to his face.

“There is no place in our society for those so willing to carry out violence and I am pleased we have been able to put him behind bars.

“I hope this sentence will help the victim move forward.

“Violence often goes hand in hand with the sale of drugs and we continue to work hard to tackle the issue.

“Our Op Raptor teams are prolific in tackling drug gangs while our new Disruptor teams are working hard to bring those responsible for violent and drug crime to justice.”