A mother from the North East has been left permanently blind in one eye and with severely impaired vision in the other after a former friend sprayed a corrosive chemical into her face. Donna English, 41, of Carly Road, Sunderland, was jailed for 13 years at Newcastle Crown Court for the attack, which occurred on November 20 last year.
Attack Details
The court heard that English and the victim had previously been friends and even lived together, but had fallen out over an unspecified dispute. On the day of the attack, the victim went to the rear of English's home after a disagreement about money. English had armed herself with a corrosive liquid, suspected to be ammonia, and sprayed it at the woman.
Prosecutors said English followed the victim down the street, continuing to spray the chemical, and eventually caught up with her at her own door, where she sprayed it directly into her eyes, saying, "I will get it in your f***ing eyes." The victim described the pain as worse than childbirth.
Life-Changing Injuries
The victim is now completely blind in one eye, a condition doctors say is permanent. She has limited, blurry vision in the other eye and is registered as sight impaired. In a victim impact statement, she said the attack has destroyed her life. She cannot go out alone, cannot cook or make hot drinks, and relies on a carer for simple tasks. She said, "I will never be able to see my children properly again, and that breaks my heart."
She also suffers from flashbacks and panic attacks, hearing English's voice threatening her eyes. She has undergone excruciating eye surgery and is not allowed unsupervised contact with her children due to her injuries.
Court Sentencing
Judge Tom Moran noted the premeditation of the attack, saying English had armed herself with the liquid knowing the victim was coming. He said the jury saw a harrowing video of the victim in distress, fearing she would not see her children again. English was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial. She continues to deny the offence and shows no remorse.
Defence barrister Shada Mellor said English maintains her version of events and noted that the liquid was never formally identified by police. She added that English has a history of heroin misuse and has lost five former partners to death.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Catherine Jowett of Northumbria Police praised the victim's bravery and said: "Donna English's actions were reprehensible and completely unacceptable. There is no place for violence in our communities. English now has a significant period of time behind bars to reflect on the pain and misery she has caused."
