Brighton man jailed for machete attack on friend over a phone charger

William Miller launched a frenzied attack on his friend, slashing him in the head, back and hands after the pair had been drinking in the middle of the day.

Miller later threatened to “chop up” his friend, later going on the run to evade police.

The 43-year-old was jailed after his friend suffered life-changing injuries and critical blood loss.

The scene of the attack near Whitehawk Close (Image: Andrew Gardner)

A court heard how Miller, of Whitehawk Close in Brighton, had been drinking in his flat with his friend, 36, in the middle of the day on July 14, 2023.

The pair got into a heated argument over the use of a phone charger and Miller slashed at his friend using a machete.

Miller’s friend called 999 and told call handlers he was “bleeding out”. The call handlers heard Miller in the background saying: “I will chop you up right here”.

People living in the area overheard Mr Greer’s calls for help, gave him first aid and called 999.

On arrival paramedics and detectives saw a trail of blood from Whitehawk Close to Miller’s flat, but he was nowhere to be found.

William Miller (Image: Sussex Police)

Miller went on the run before police officers arrived at the scene but he handed himself in three days later holding the weapon used in the attack.

Sussex Police investigating officer Emily Farley said: “Miller carried out a violent assault using a machete at his home address, leaving his victim critically injured.

“We are grateful to the public who shared our appeal for information.

“We are pleased that a dangerous offender has now been taken off our streets and will serve a significant custodial sentence.”

Miller was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison at a sentencing hearing on November 7.

He will serve at least two thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.