Arthur Collins, the 25-year-old ex-boyfriend of reality TV star Ferne McCann, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with an additional five years on licence for throwing acid in a crowded London nightclub. The attack at Mangle E8 in Dalston on 17 April left 22 people injured, 16 of whom suffered serious burns.
Collins was found guilty of five counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and nine counts of actual bodily harm. During sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court, Judge Noel Lucas QC described the act as 'despicable' and called Collins an 'accomplished liar' who showed 'not the slightest remorse'. The judge noted that Collins threw the acid 'irrespective of the persons on whom it landed' and that his motivation was 'nothing more than a perceived personal slight'.
Collins had claimed he believed the liquid was a date rape drug, but the judge rejected this defence, stating it was 'carefully researched and choreographed'. CCTV footage showed Collins throwing the acid at a group of men, then returning to the dancefloor to drink and socialise. He had six previous convictions, including assault and drink-driving, and was subject to a suspended sentence at the time of the attack.
Victims described feeling 'scared', 'traumatised', and 'suicidal' in impact statements. One man suffered third-degree burns requiring a skin graft. Sophie Hall, a victim from Dorset, said she had hoped for a life sentence but felt justice had been served, adding: 'Arthur showed no signs of remorse in court. I have to live with my scars for life.'
The judge also criticised security at the club, saying better measures 'might not have happened' the injuries. Collins showed no reaction as the sentence was read out.
