Hastings acid attacker's life sentence overturned

David Phillips was sentenced to life in prison on October 9, 2015.

However, his sentence was today reduced to 16 years of which Phillips will serve half before qualifying for automatic release.

Phillips flung acid in the face of property developer Andreas Christopheros, 29, who suffered a permanent loss of vision and horrific burns.

The 48-year-old attacked Mr Christopheros on his own doorstep in Truro, Cornwall, after travelling more than 300 miles from his own home in Barley Lane, Hastings.

However, he carried out his ‘revenge attack’ at the wrong address and Mr Christopheros was completely innocent of any wrongdoing.

In a victim impact statement during last year’s sentencing Mr Christopheros said: “This will forever effect my life and my family are scared to open the door again.

“The pain I endured was excruciating.

“I did not think I would survive.

“When I left hospital I did not think my son would recognise me.

“I am concerned as my sight deteriorates I will never see my son grow up.

“I will never be able to work in business again. I am anxious of being seen in public and perceived as some sort of freak.

“I am frightened about the effect my appearance will have on my son who is just two years old.

“I am constantly afraid of being attacked again.

“I understand I will carry the scars for the rest of my life but they are not just physical, but emotional too.

“My life is now forever about pain, overwhelming sadness and uncertainty.”

Sentencing Phillips to life with a minimum term of seven years and 67 days, judge Simon Carr said he had shown ‘little remorse’ but ‘overwhelming concern for your own predicament’.

However, top judges at London’s Appeal Court disagreed and overturned the sentence.

Hastings acid attacker jailed for life

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