A violent thug who posed as an Amazon delivery driver before launching a machete attack on a man in front of his young child has been jailed for eight years.
Lenard Coates forced his way into a flat wearing a high-vis jacket and carrying a parcel to make his disguise look real.
Once inside, the 23-year-old threatened a man, woman and their child with the terrifying blade before carrying out a brutal assault that nearly severed the victim’s thumb.
Coates then fled with £2,500 in cash and a watch, leaving the family traumatised.
Police and paramedics rushed to the scene in Maidstone, Kent.
The victim was taken to the hospital for specialist reconstructive surgery after suffering life-changing injuries.
Officers quickly tracked down Coates’ van within two hours of the break-in, and forensic evidence plus CCTV footage led to his arrest, as reported by Need To Know.
Coates, who has no fixed address, later admitted aggravated burglary, causing grievous bodily harm, and possessing a knife in a public place.
He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to eight years in prison, with a further two years on extended licence.
He was also handed a 15-year restraining order.
The incident happened at around 9 am on 21 March.
Coates was sentenced on 29 October.
Detective Constable Lottie Bishop, who led the investigation, said: “Coates violently assaulted his victim, leaving him with life-changing injuries, to walk away with a relatively small sum of money.
“The lengthy custodial sentence appropriately reflects the viciousness of the attack, which he carried out in front of the victim’s partner and young child, with complete disregard for the impact of his actions.
“We hope the family finds some comfort in knowing Coates will be locked up and unable to inflict harm on others.”
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