A man who poured bleach on his victim while she walked in a Leicester street has been jailed.
Shane Astill attacked the woman in Beaumont Leys, pouring the substance over her head.
The incident happened in January this year in Bishopdale Road. The victim was walking along the road when she noticed Astill behind her. Concerned for her welfare, she dialled 999 and told a call handler she was being followed.
While she was on the phone to police, Astill grabbed her and poured the liquid on her head. She immediately believed it to be bleach due to the strong smell.
Officers arrived on the scene and helped the woman to wash the bleach out of her face. Luckily she suffered no serious injuries as a result of the attack.
Astill appeared at Leicester Crown Court yesterday (11 August) for sentencing. He pleaded guilty to one count of administering a noxious substance. The judge ordered him to serve three years and four months in prison.
He was also given a five-year restraining order, forbidding him from contacting the victim.
The 33-year-old also pleaded guilty to one count of threatening to take revenge, which involved the same victim on 7 January.
That day, he went to the victim’s home address in Beaumont Leys, where he made verbal threats to stab her. The victim reported the incident to police.
Detective Constable Anna Thorpe was the investigating officer. She said: “This was a horrific, deliberate and targeted attack which could have caused serious injury to the victim. Thankfully officers were quick to her aid and were able to wash the bleach off.”
“Astill is a dangerous individual who knew what he was doing – he waited for her and wanted to harm her in a way that would have a lasting impact.”
“I am pleased both that he admitted his crimes and that he’s now serving a custodial sentence. I hope both the victim in this case and the local community can take some reassurance from the fact he’s behind bars.”
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