A violent drug addict who carried out a savage attack on an elderly man during a robbery has been jailed following a relentless police investigation.
Czech national Dusan Vavrek, 42, was sentenced to nine years and two months behind bars after launching a frenzied assault on his 79-year-old victim, Michael Burke, slashing him across the hands and head before fleeing with hundreds of pounds in cash.
The attack, which took place on 31 March at a home in Westcliff-on-Sea, left the victim with multiple deep wounds, all requiring stitches. Despite the severity of his injuries, the victim managed to seek help from a neighbour, who immediately called for an ambulance.
A friendship betrayed
The victim had first met Vavrek in 2020 when they lived in the same multi-occupancy property in Westcliff. Even after moving out, Vavrek frequently returned to visit, often asking for money to support his addictions to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
On the day of the attack, Vavrek arrived at Burke’s home once again. In an act of kindness, the victim welcomed him inside and even offered him a cup of coffee. However, Vavrek appeared increasingly agitated, showing clear signs of drug withdrawal. The conversation soon turned to his desperate need for money.
Sensing the tension rising, Burke told Vavrek he had no money, deciding not to mention the £900 he had hidden in a wallet inside the property. But this only fuelled Vavrek’s aggression.
A terrifying ordeal
The situation escalated dramatically when Vavrek suddenly grabbed his victim and brandished a large axe, demanding cash. His threats were chilling, warning that he would kill the elderly man if he didn’t comply.
Moments later, Vavrek pulled out a Stanley knife and launched a brutal attack. He slashed Burke’s right hand and head multiple times with full force, leaving deep lacerations. Faced with such violence, the terrified victim finally gave in, leading his attacker to where his wallet was hidden and handing over the cash.
Vavrek then fled the scene, leaving the victim bleeding and alone. It wasn’t until the injured man made his way to a communal bathroom that a concerned neighbour spotted him and immediately called for emergency help.
Paramedics arrived and treated Burke for five serious lacerations to his head and face, all of which required stitching.
A swift police response
Determined to bring Vavrek to justice, officers launched an immediate investigation. Within just three days, they tracked him down sleeping rough in a car park on Victoria Avenue. When officers searched him, he was found to be carrying a knife.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Vavrek initially claimed he could not remember the attack, suggesting that his memory loss was due to drug use. However, under mounting pressure, he later admitted to multiple offences, including robbery, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and three counts of possession of a bladed article.
On 22 October, he appeared at Basildon Crown Court, where he was sentenced to more than nine years in prison. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence.
‘He thought he was going to die’
During sentencing, Judge Samantha Leigh highlighted the sheer terror inflicted upon the victim. Reading from Burke’s personal statement, she said the defendant’s eyes “looked like someone who was desperate, wanted money and meant business.”
She also described Vavrek as “coming down from drugs and was getting up tight” during the violent incident.
Chief Inspector Dave Browning, Southend district commander, also spoke about the devastating impact of drug-fuelled crime: “The victim in this case thought he was going to die at the hands of this violent offender. He describes the look in Vavrek’s eyes as ‘desperate’ and a ‘killer look’. He told us Vavrek ‘meant business’.
“This was a horrendous assault carried out against a man who had shown nothing but goodwill and kindness to Vavrek. This case illustrates the wider offending which flows from the supply and use of Class A drugs. Addiction causes desperation and devastation, fuelling violent knife crime, disorder and theft.
“We have teams of officers and detectives working across Southend, in local and community policing, CID and our Serious Violence Unit, to tackle this issue.
“We’re committed to bringing the perpetrators of knife crime to justice, but also look to work with partners in the health sector and the criminal justice system to identify the causes and trends fuelling this offending.
“From the outset of this investigation, we were determined to get justice for the victim and soon identified Vavrek as the person responsible. He has been handed a lengthy sentence as a result of this extensive investigation.”
A warning on knife crime
The shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug addiction and the violent crimes that can stem from desperation. Anyone with information about knife crime or drug-related offences is urged to contact the police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.