Victim of Beckton acid attacker John Tomlin says he ‘deserved the death penalty’
Jameel Muhktar with family members outside Snaresbrook Crown Court. Picture: Tom Horton - Credit: Tom Horton
One of the victims of acid attacker John Tomlin has refused to forgive him, saying he “deserves the death penalty”.
Victim Jameel Muhktar outside Snaresbrook Crown Court. Picture: Rachael Burnett/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Speaking outside court today after Tomlin was sentenced to 16 years in prison, Jameel Muhktar branded Tomlin an “animal” and a “coward”.
“The sentence isn’t long enough, my life is finished,” he said.
“I’m in continuous pain, I can’t sleep and I can’t eat. He should have been given life, he should have done the whole of his life in prison.
“If this was in America he could have been given the death penalty, that’s what he deserves.”
One of two acid attack victims Resham Khan (centre) with her mother Yasmin Khan and DC Paul Newton outside Snaresbrook Crown Court. Picture: Rachael Burnett/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Mr Muhktar said seeing Tomlin in the dock “angered” him.
He added: “It’s the first time I’ve seen him worried, he was like a child, a baby, like a little girl, he deserves that.”
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When asked about the rising number of acid attacks, he said: “Something needs to be done about this, I don’t feel this was a strong enough sentence. This will carry on now.”
His cousin, Resham Khan, thanked the medical staff and police who have helped her.
She said: “I don’t think this is about name calling, I think it’s about setting myself aside from other types of people in life.
“I hope to push through and get on as if it never happened.”
DC Paul Newton, who has been working with the victims, said: “This was a horrific incident that took place on Resham’s 21st birthday.
“We would like to give our thanks to those who did come out to make sure they were getting doused in water, their injuries could have been far worse.”
