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After spate of acid attacks, UK gets tough with longer sentencing guidelines

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Acid attack victim Andreas Christopheros. Photo: Reuters

Criminals caught with acid can expect to receive the same prison sentences as those convicted of carrying a knife, according to new judicial guidelines that have come into effect.

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Life sentences could be handed down to those who carry out “life-changing” acid attacks, even if they miss their target or fail to inflict serious harm on their victim.

Alison Saunders, the director of public prosecutions, said there was a strong public interest in authorising the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to give out the strongest punishments to acid attackers.

“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,” she said.

“We are very conscious of the impact of this crime and how there has been a recent spate of it so we are very keen to make sure that we do prosecute it and the court has the right sentencing powers.”

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Public concern has been mounting in London after a spate of acid attacks, some of which have caused serious injuries and disfigurement.

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