Colchester man jailed for machete incident in Southend

Lenny Draper, of Sheepen Road, Colchester, was one of two brutal attackers who approached a man while armed with a machete in Southend.

The victim, a man in his 20s, had been walking along London Road with friends at about 11.30pm on August 20, 2020, when he was suddenly confronted by two men.

Southend Crown Court heard how he was subjected to a violent, targeted attack which left him with severe face, head and back injuries, before both attackers fled the scene.

He was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being discovered by police officers and despite the best efforts of medics, lost sight permanently in both eyes.

Jailed - Lenny Draper

The second attacker, Sam Jarman-Hall, 41, of Whittington Road, Brentwood, was also found critically injured near to College Way and later died from his injuries the following week.

CCTV footage of the incident confirmed he had fatally injured himself with the blade he was carrying. DNA evidence from Draper, 27, was also found on the weapon.

Draper admitted charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, affray, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on April 8.

On Thursday, he was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison, with five years on extended licence.

Picture: Good or Bad Southend

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell said: “This was an extremely violent incident and one of the worst injuries I have ever seen. I have no doubt that both attackers set out that night to cause serious harm to the victim.

“In a matter of seconds, one man received life-changing injuries and another fatally-injured himself; that’s two families who have had to face the devastation that knife crime brings.

“Everyone that worked on this case has played a part in getting this result and we’re really proud that Draper is now behind bars and has joined the list of people rightfully paying for their crimes.”