HOME Secretary Amber Rudd has suggested that criminals who carry out acid attacks could be jailed for life.
She said that an overhaul of current guidelines would ensure those who use corrosive liquids as a weapon would “feel the full force of the law”.
Her pledge comes as survivors are demanding tougher punishments, saying that attackers are inflicting a life sentence on them.
Ms Rudd said: “I am clear that life sentences must not be reserved for acid attack survivors.”
She said the Government plans to have acid and other caustic substances reclassed as dangerous, rather than offensive, weapons.
The Government also intends to put in place measures that restrict the sale of corrosive substances. The move follows a recent spate of incidents, including five linked acid assaults in London on Thursday.
Ms Rudd said: “I am announcing an action plan to tackle acid attacks. It will include a wideranging review of the law enforcement and criminal justice response, of existing legislation, of access to harmful products and of the support offered to victims. We will also make sure that those who commit these terrible crimes feel the full force of the law. “We will seek to ensure that everyone working within the criminal justice system, from police officers to prosecutors, has the powers they need to punish severely those who commit these appalling crimes.” Possession of acid or other corrosive substances with the intention to do harm can already be treated as possession of an offensive weapon, which carries a four-year maximum penalty, under the Prevention of Crime Act.
The Crown Prosecution Service’s guidance will now be reviewed to ensure it makes clear that acid and other corrosive substances can be classed as dangerous weapons, and plainly outlines what is required to prove intent.
The Poisons Act 1972 will be assessed to consider if it should cover a wider range of harmful substances, while retailers will be asked to agree to measures to further restrict sales of acids and other corrosive liquids. More than 400 attacks were carried out in the six months to April 2017, according to figures from 39 forces in England and Wales. Bleach, ammonia and acid were the most commonly used. The Home Office said it will work with the police and the Ministry of Justice to assess whether the powers currently available to the courts, including sentencing, are sufficient. Sarah Newton, Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, will outline the Government’s strategy in the Commons today. Meanwhile, a teenager has been charged in connection with the five acid attacks in East London on Thursday. The 16-year-old is accused of 15 offences, including grievous bodily harm, possession of an item to discharge a noxious substance and robbery. He will appear at Stratford youth court today. A 15-year-old boy held in North London on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery has been released on bail until early next month. One victim of Thursday’s attacks, UberEats courier Jabed Hussain, 32, described how “it was like fire on my face”.