Long Stratton teenager jailed for wielding machete and hitting pedestrian with van
Officers are hoping the sentence sends a clear message that violent and dangerous behaviour won't be tolerated
A teenager from Long Stratton has been jailed for six years following multiple offences, including a machete incident in the town of Diss and injuring a pedestrian with a van.
Marley Rodgers, 19, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on 12th May, receiving six years and three months in prison, with an additional two years to be served on licence.
Rodgers was charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, driving without insurance, and failing to stop at the scene after an altercation on 6th September 2025.
He also admitted to earlier offences involving threatening behaviour, possession of Class C drugs and nitrous oxide, as well as possession of a bladed weapon in a separate incident on 12th June 2025.
In September last year, Rodgers drove his blue Ford Connect van towards a pedestrian walking along the B1116 in Weybread.
The victim, known to Rodgers, was hit by the van and suffered severe injuries including a shattered elbow, necessitating hospital treatment.
The pedestrian reported the incident to the police from the hospital and was able to identify Rodgers.
This incident has left the victim struggling with physical and emotional challenges.
He shared, “I do not feel like the same person I was before this incident. I feel withdrawn, nervous, and overwhelmed in situations that would never have bothered me previously."
In June 2025, Rodgers was caught on CCTV during a fight in Diss town centre wielding a machete with two other men involved.
The following day, Rodgers was located at a disused RAF base in Fersfield as a passenger in a white van linked to the fight scene.
Upon arrest, additional weapons including a machete and nitrous oxide were found in the van.
Detective Constable Gary Thompson commented: “This was a series of extremely serious offences that could have had even more devastating consequences. The defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for the safety of others.”
Thompson acknowledged the challenges faced by the victim of the van collision and emphasised the importance of the sentencing as a deterrent.
He stated, "I hope this sentence sends a clear message that this kind of violent and dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated."