Yobs carrying acid as a weapon could face four years in jail under new laws after spate of attacks
Corrosive liquids could be categorised as dangerous weapons along with knives as MPs get set to debate hard hitting proposals to tackle horrific crimes
THUGS caught carrying acid with the intent of attacking someone could be jailed for up to four years under new proposals.
Official sentencing guidelines will be reviewed following a worrying rise in the number of acid attacks on Britain’s streets.
Corrosive substances will be classed as “dangerous weapons” to help tackle the growing wave of acid attacks, under a government review.
Harmful products are likely be considered in the same category as knives and blades under a raft of heavy-hitting plans to aid prosecutors.
Ministers across Whitehall will also work with cops to ensure “sentences reflect the seriousness of the offences”, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said.
The crackdown, which could ban sales to under 18s, comes as police forces are currently recording at least 68 horrific incidents nationwide every month.
A review into prosecutors’ guidance will also look at the threshold to prove intent of a horrific attack - where bleach, ammonia or acid are now commonly used.
A further attack in east London was reported on Friday evening.
Plans will be outlined by Home Office Minister Sarah Newton during a Commons’ debate tomorrow (Mon) evening.
Measures will assess in the coming weeks whether more acids and dangerous products should fall under the Poisons Act 1972.
It would mean suspicious transactions involving such substances must be reported to the police.
Revealing the action plan, Amber Rudd said: “Acid attacks are horrific crimes which have a devastating effect on victims, both physically and emotionally.
“It is vital that we do everything we can to prevent these sickening attacks happening in the first place.
“We must also ensure that the police and other emergency services are able to respond as effectively as possible, that sentences reflect the seriousness of the offences and victims are given the immediate support they need.”
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The maximum sentence for carrying out an acid attack on others is a life sentence.
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said such attacks should be deemed a “form of terrorism”.
Police will be handed new guidance on stop-and-search potential perpetrators, responding to victims at the scene and preventing attacks.
Ministers will continue to work with retailers to agree measures to restrict sales of acids and other corrosive substances.
It comes as figures from the National Police Chiefs’ Council showed 408 cases of corrosive attacks were recorded between November 2016 and April 2017.
The figures were based on results from 39 police forces.
NPCC lead for corrosive attacks, Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said: “While it is virtually impossible to ban the sale of all corrosive substances, we are working closely with the Home Office and retailers to determine how we can keep these products from people who intend to cause harm.
“I would urge anyone who is a victim of this type of attack to report it so that we can deal with the matter positively and sensitively.”
Labour MP Stephen Timms, who will lead the debate tomorrow (Mon), has called on people to be able to use sulphuric acid “with the benefit of a licence”.
