Acid attackers could face life sentences

Anyone who carries acid could face up to four years in prison or risks a life sentence if they use it to attack someone, under tough new rules for prosecutors.

Following the recent spate of disturbing acid attacks, the Crown Prosecution Service has issued updated interim guidance which for the first time explicitly refers to acid or corrosive substances.

Alison Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions, told the Evening Standard: “You can’t just expect to carry acid around without an excuse. It counts as an offensive weapon, just as much as a knife or a screwdriver could be.”