Acid Crime Makes Me So Angry
Recent statistics from the Acid Survivors Trust report that the U.K has the highest rates of acid attacks per capital in the world. There were 400 incidents over a 6 month period in 2017 which means that more than 2 acid attacks are happening each day. We cannot ignore this growing phenomenon. Acid crime is not restricted to far flung destinations, it is happening on our streets.
The recent case of Joanne Rand was covered heavily in the press. She sadly died as a result of acid being thrown on her when she was caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs. Whatever the reason for throwing the acid was, she was an innocent bystander who died as a result. This was tragic for her family but for a solicitor who represents victims of acid crime it made me so angry.
The perpetrator was sentenced on 31stJuly to seventeen years in prison having pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter (he was originally charged with murder). He himself had been the victim of acid crime with heavy scarring on the side of his head. He knew exactly what the consequences of throwing acid would be. He still chose to carry a bottle of acid and then to use it as a weapon.
On 21stJuly this year a three year old boy out shopping had acid thrown on him. What kind of country have we become?
I have given a number of interviews to the press over the last few days from a lawyer’s perspective on acid crime and the sentences that are being awarded to those found guilty. Yes, I agree they are long custodial sentences but when you know first-hand the life sentence that someone living with the scars of a horrific acid attack will live with, then in my view they are not long enough.
Acid victims have long been pushing for life sentences to be given to anyone significantly injuring someone through the use of acid, however this type of sentence is yet to be given. We need the Courts to send the right message out to the criminal fraternity that acid crime will not be tolerated.
Ayesha Nayyar
Principal Solicitor
Recent statistics from the Acid Survivors Trust report that the U.K has the highest rates of acid attacks per capital in the world. There were 400 incidents over a 6 month period in 2017 which means that more than 2 acid attacks are happening each day. We cannot ignore this growing phenomenon. Acid crime is not restricted to far flung destinations, it is happening on our streets.
The recent case of Joanne Rand was covered heavily in the press. She sadly died as a result of acid being thrown on her when she was caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs. Whatever the reason for throwing the acid was, she was an innocent bystander who died as a result. This was tragic for her family but for a solicitor who represents victims of acid crime it made me so angry.
The perpetrator was sentenced on 31stJuly to seventeen years in prison having pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter (he was originally charged with murder). He himself had been the victim of acid crime with heavy scarring on the side of his head. He knew exactly what the consequences of throwing acid would be. He still chose to carry a bottle of acid and then to use it as a weapon.
On 21stJuly this year a three year old boy out shopping had acid thrown on him. What kind of country have we become?
I have given a number of interviews to the press over the last few days from a lawyer’s perspective on acid crime and the sentences that are being awarded to those found guilty. Yes, I agree they are long custodial sentences but when you know first-hand the life sentence that someone living with the scars of a horrific acid attack will live with, then in my view they are not long enough.
Acid victims have long been pushing for life sentences to be given to anyone significantly injuring someone through the use of acid, however this type of sentence is yet to be given. We need the Courts to send the right message out to the criminal fraternity that acid crime will not be tolerated.
Principal Solicitor
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