WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE: A pair of thugs who threw sulphuric acid in the faces of two men who challenged them for throwing a traffic cone at their car in Docklands have been jailed.
Kaha Miah, 20, Odessa Road, Forest Gate, and a 16-year-old, both from Newham, left their victims with life-changing injuries during the attack in West India Quay.
The first victim suffered burns to his face and shoulder with the acid being so strong that it melted his top he was wearing.
The second man lost 20 per cent of his vision as well as leaving severe facial burns after the acid was thrown in his eye.
Snaresbrook Crown Court heard they launched their assault after the two victims confronted them on March 20 last year.
Both victims were staying at Neutron Towers on Blackwall Way with friends and noticed from the 11th floor that a group of youths were jumping and kicking the cars outside, including their own.
One victim went to confront the youths but his pal feared for his safety and went with him.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught on CCTV removing a bottle from his bag and passing it to Miah who said: “Have some acid” before throwing it at the two men.
Today Miah was given nine years and the teenager received a total of six years.
Both will serve their sentences in a young offender institution.
Detective Sergeant Richard Lewsley, investigation officer, said: “Whilst this sentence provides a degree of justice for the victims and reflects how seriously the police and courts view the possession of noxious substances, I am acutely aware of the devastating impact that attacks of this nature have upon victims.
“The sentence received reinforces the police view that any incident of this nature, or any possession of these type of substances will be investigated thoroughly. I would urge anyone carrying or considering carrying a noxious substance to reflect upon the sentence received today.
“These substances can, and unfortunately are, used in the commission of crimes which have a huge and lasting impact on victims.”
Nicholas Coates from Crown Prosecution Service in London said: “Both defendants knew that the bottle contained sulphuric acid and the extreme damage it would cause if it was thrown.
“Both victims have been scarred for life with serious physical and psychological injuries.
“When people use acid as a weapon, the CPS will work with the police to present a strong case in court, to make sure offenders face the consequences of their crime.”
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