24 October 2023 , 11:45
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An acid attack survivor shared he would "rather have been shot" in the face after undergoing at least 60 gruelling surgeries.
Andreas Christopheros, 38, had a pint of sulphuric acid hurled at his face after he fell victim to a case of mistaken identity in 2014. Andreas is now calling for tougher sentencing following an increase in incidents.
It comes after Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) found a 69 per cent rise in acid attacks across England and Wales. It was reported that 710 incidents were recorded last year, which is up from 421 the year before. Christopheros, who was left blind in one eye, said the figures are "alarming" and urged the government to look at them "closely."
The businessman called the latest incident figures 'alarming' (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Andreas woke up five days after the attack (Andreas Christopheros / SWNS)Speaking about his ordeal, he said: “I would rather have been shot. I would rather have been stabbed. I would have been able to rebuild my life. I wouldn’t have to get up every morning and look at my disfigured face. I think we all know that if a politician had been hit, or someone of high status, then things would be different already.” The dad was left in agonising pain after painter and decorator David Phillips targeted the wrong house, reports Independent. He opened his front door to his property in Truro, Cornwall, and heard Phillips shout, “this is for you mate” before he launched the attack. Christopheros, who is in charge of property development and events businesses, managed to describe his attacker to the police before he lost consciousness. Five days later he woke up in intensive care with life-changing injuries. He spent two months recovering in a specialist burns unit. However, he still has regular procedures to support his scarring.
Andreas Christopheros leaving Truro Crown Court in 2015 (SWNS.com)Phillips was released halfway through his 16-year sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent. He would have had to serve a minimum of three-quarters of his sentence before he was up for release under the latest restrictions. Christopheros recalled it was "mind-boggling" to find out that his attacker was "out living a normal life." The father is calling for the two-strike rule – which sees a mandatory minimum sentence applied the second time someone is found in the possesion of acid to be swapped out with a one strike sentence.
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He believes there should be a law to make pouring acid into an unmarked container a crime. He said: "Prohibition is always difficult because people will still want to get their hands on it. But there’s a lot that can be done to make it harder. You shouldn’t be able to just walk into B&Q or buy it off Amazon.” A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Acid attacks devastate lives, leaving victims with both emotional and physical scars, and our thoughts remain with Mr Christopheros. While sentences are determined by independent judges, our tough changes to the law mean those who harm others with acids can face up to life imprisonment.”