Thugs with acid to be jailed under new ‘two strikes’ rule

CRIMINALS who repeatedly carry acid will automatically be sent to prison under a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ rule.

Adults caught with a corrosive substance for the second time will be jailed for at least six months under laws proposed by the Home Secretary.

It will also be an offence to carry acid in public without good reason, carrying up to four years in jail.

Amber Rudd unveiled the measures to tackle the recent spate of acid attacks, using substances from drain cleaner to almost pure sulphuric acid, that have ruined victims’ lives. The new rule will mirror the regime for repeat knife offenders introduced in 2015.

If a person is caught twice carrying a corrosive substance in public, judges will be expected to impose the minimum jail sentence – which can be suspended – unless it would be ‘unjust to do so in all the circumstances’.

The measure was included in a consultation on offensive weapons being published today giving the police greater pow- ers to pursue criminals. Miss Rudd’s public protection measures are intended to ‘send a message’ to criminals that they face severe punishment.

She plans to make it illegal to sell acid to under-18s, punishable by six months in prison.

Tighter restrictions could also be introduced on the sale of sulphuric acid. Currently it can be bought online without checks.

It will become a regulated substance under the Poisons Act, meaning anyone wanting to obtain it will need a Home Office licence. Illicit buyers or vendors who fail to make checks face jail sentences of two years.