A man has been jailed for his role in a "corrosive liquid" attack in Osterley which left a 17-year-old boy blinded in one eye.
Sekeria Abdikarim was sentenced to nine years behind bars at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday (December 15) for his part in the attack, which took place on October 17 2016 .
The 19-year-old, from Lanadron Close in Isleworth, had been found guilty earlier this month of throwing a corrosive fluid on a person with intent and attempted robbery.
Police say they are still looking for two other suspects involved in the attack.
Acid attacks in London
The victim, who is now 18, had received a call to meet Abdikarim at Jersey Gardens in Osterley, and turned up between 6.20pm and 7.07pm.
Once there he met Abdikarim and another man. A third person then jumped out from the bushes and used a water pistol to spray corrosive liquid at the victim’s face, which immediately started to burn his skin.
Abdikarim then pushed the victim to the ground and searched him, before running off empty handed and leaving the victim on the ground in agony.
The young man ran home and was taken to hospital where he was treated for several days.
However, doctors were unable to save the sight in the victim’s right eye and he continues to have treatment for the injuries he sustained more than a year ago.
Hounslow Police launched an investigation and the following day (October 18 2016) Abdikarim was arrested for his involvement in the offence.
He was later charged with grievous body harm (GBH) with intent, but the charge was amended at court to throwing a corrosive liquid with intent, under Section 29 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861.
Following the sentencing Detective Constable Nav Johal, who led the investigation, said: “Thanks to the courage and bravery of this young victim he was able to give evidence in court which ensured the conviction of Abdikarim.
“It was proven that Abdikarim was crucial in the set-up of the victim and it was also believed that he knew the water gun contained a corrosive liquid. His charge was later changed at court to reflect joint enterprise.
“The conviction and sentence indicates the severity of the incident and I hope it demonstrates how seriously the courts take crime as atrocious as this.”
Police are continuing their investigation to identify the two others involved in the acid attack.
The suspect who jumped out from the bushes is described as a white man, of Eastern European origin, in his early 20s - he was tall and of medium build.
The other suspect is described as a tall, black man, in his early 20s.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hounslow Police via 101 or tweet @MetCC.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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