Speaking in a Parliamentary debate on acid attacks, Peter Aldous highlights the strength and courage of constituent Adele Bellis and calls for the Government review to include clearer and tougher sentencing guidelines.
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for securing this debate, which comes at an extremely appropriate time. My constituent, Adele Bellis, was the subject of a horrific acid attack. She has shown tremendous strength and courage in the way she has rebuilt her life. In Adele’s view, clearer and tougher sentencing guidelines are needed. It must never be forgotten that those who are victims of acid attacks carry a life sentence. Does he agree that it is right that the issue of sentencing is included in the Government’s review?
I completely agree with the hon. Gentleman and his constituent. Katie Piper, an acid attack survivor and founder of the Katie Piper Foundation, which supports victims, has said:
“Tougher sentencing would surely act as a deterrent to further attacks”,
and I agree with her. We need greater consistency in sentencing as well.