Preston machete attacker dealt drugs while on licence

A drug dealer who ran away from police when they challenged him was on a prison licence over a machete attack.
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Dylan Cornwell, 23, of Lark Hill Close, Avenham, Preston, was arrested in January after he was seen trying to throw cash away on the ground as he fled police officers.

He has indicated guilty pleas to possession of diamorphine and crack cocaine with intent to supply them, but is facing a trial of issue on Thursday over the basis of his pleas - which could affect his sentencing.

He could potentially face around three years in jail.

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Crown Court
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Preston Crown Court previously heard when he was caught, officers found “significant amounts of drugs and cash” on him.

The hefty stash included 77 wraps of heroin, 19 wraps of crack cocaine as well as several thousands of pounds in bank notes.

His mobile phone showed “clear signs” of drug dealing type messages.

Detectives from Lancashire Police also found a set of car keys to a Ford Focus bearing false number plates.

The original plates were later found in Cornwell’s home.

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At the time of his arrest, Cornwell was still subject to a prison licence from a term imposed in 2013 for his role in a vicious machete attack in a Preston street, and has been recalled into custody.

In 2013, aged 17, he was jailed for seven and a half years and his friend Shaun Tyrer, then 33, of Duke Street, for eight and a half years.

The attack was witnessed by a number of young children as they sat on their doorstep in the residential street.

The victim, who was 17, was left with wounds so deep his bones were exposed, and suffered horrific injuries to his thigh, back and buttocks.

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The horrific incident was linked to an ongoing dispute between rival groups in the Avenham area and the Moor Park area, and was said to be a revenge attack for a previous incident in which an Avenham man was attacked as he walked home from the Caribbean Carnival in Preston.

Cornwell had sent text messages inviting others to seek out those he believed were responsible for the attack on the man, and with others he attacked the 17-year-old.

A high court judge lifted a ban on reporting Cornwell’s identity after he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

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