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 prosecute acid attackers. People carrying acid would be treated as if they were carrying an offensive weapon, which carries a maximum four-year sentence. Life sentences will be given to those who carry out acid attacks, even if they miss their target or their victim escapes serious injury, Saunders said. A CPS spokesperson said on Friday: “The CPS has today published interim guidance for prosecutors on the appropriate handling of cases involving acid attacks.

Source: The Guardian August 04, 2017 18:41 UTC