TWO MONTHS AGO, 17 year old Derryck John of Thornton Heath pleaded guilty to twelve charges arising out of a spree of acid attacks he conducted in Newham, Hackney and Islington last July. This week he was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison.
John was sentenced on six counts of throwing a corrosive substance with intent to disable, maim, disfigure or do grievous bodily harm – which earned a sentence of ten and a half years on their own.
In addition, John was sentenced to seven years in jail for four counts of attempted robbery of a moped and two counts of robbery of a moped. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Two of John’s victims are still receiving treatment for their injuries. Other victims whose injuries were not so severe have now been discharged from treatment.
DS James Leeks from Hackney CID said, “DerryckJohn did not think twice about using a life changing and even potentially life-threatening substance against those who resisted his robbery attempts. Acid attacks ruin lives and have no place in our society.
“It beggars belief that anyone would be prepared to scar someone for life and leave them to live with life-changing injuries for the sake of a phone or a moped. We are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters and use them to snatch valuables from members of the public. We have a particular focus on the small number of criminals prepared to use corrosive substances to do so.
“If someone is in fear of being attacked with acid, or knows someone who is going to use it, they need to report it to police or confidentially through Crimestoppers. Your information will be actioned and you will be fully supported.”
A 15 year old male was arrested the day after the acid attacks, but he has now been told that no further action will be taken against him. Police are still trying to find a second moped driver who took part in the attacks.
•Anyone with information about the second driver is asked to contact police via 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
•Read the full story of the acid attacks: Teenager admits six acid attacks
•Read more crime stories: Police seek car used in Newham stabbing Horror attack on 92 year old Hackney woman leads to jail
[Adverts]