Fifteen Years For Acid Attacker

An acid attacker, who was part of a vicious gang that poured corrosive liquid over their victim – leaving him with devastating injuries – has been caged.

The victim has needed plastic surgery, including reconstructive work to an eyelid after the ambush in east London.

Sahme Mohammed, 28, of Park Avenue, East Ham has been locked-up for a minimum of 15 years, with an extended 5-year period on parole after his release.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he was convicted of throwing a noxious substance, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, with intent.

The court heard police were called at 4.00pm on February 12, 2018 to reports of a man having been attacked with a noxious substance in Burges Road, East Ham.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. 

On arrival, police found the victim suffering from burn injuries to his face, arms and torso.

Members of the public had run to help him and were dousing him with water.

Initial enquiries established that three males – including Sahme - had arrived in Burges Road in a silver coloured Lexus. 

The victim was hit with a brick before the corrosive liquid was brought out of the vehicle and poured onto his face, causing catastrophic injuries.

Medics treating the victim following the attack described his injuries as ‘a devastating chemical injury’ for which the resulting treatment was a variety of procedures including skin grafts and the reconstruction of his eyelid.

The men involved were identified from CCTV and forensic evidence.

Detective Constable Faye Cook said: “This was a horrific incident which left the victim with serious injuries. 

“This sentencing is the culmination of a lengthy process which has been very trying for him.”

Co-defendant Muhammed Al-Ali, 25, of Sisley Road, Barking was also sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, plus extended parole for the same offence.

A third accused, aged 27, was arrested and charged, but died before he could stand trial.