WE’LL CAGE ACID THUGS FOR LIFE
Rudd orders a big crackdown
ACID attackers face being given life sentences under a Government crackdown.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd made the announcement as a 16-year-old boy was charged following five assaults in 72 minutes on moped riders last week.
One victim suffered life-changing injuries and another said he was saved by his helmet.
Yesterday Mrs Rudd announced a tough review of punishments for such attacks. She said she wants those who use corrosive liquid as a weapon to “feel the full force of the law”.
She added: “I am clear life sentences must not be reserved for acid attack survivors.”
Planned law changes include classing acid and other burning substances as dangerous weapons. She also aims to put measures in place to restrict their sale.
Acid assaults in Britain have more than doubled since 2012 – up from 183 to 504 in the year to March 2017.
Police suspect two teens on a moped were behind Thursday night’s five attacks in east London. Riders had their bikes stolen after being sprayed.
A 16-year-old is due at Stratford Youth Court later today on 15 charges, including GBH, robbery, possessing an item to discharge a noxious substance and handling stolen goods. There was a sixth attack in Dagenham, Essex, on Friday. Mrs Rudd said they were “horrific crimes which have a devastating effect on victims both physically and emotionally”.
The Home Office will work with police to see if courts’ sentencing powers are sufficient.
Possessing acid or other corrosive substances with intent to harm has a maximum jail sentence of four years. But the Crown Prosecution Service will class them as dangerous weapons.
Police will be advised on how to prevent attacks and search culprits. Crime Minister Sarah Newton will outline the Government’s strategy in the Commons later today.