PRESS RELEASE : Sentence increase for thug who carried out substance attack [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 23 August 2024.

A violent thug who permanently blinded his victim in one eye after he threw a corrosive substance in his face has had his sentence increased.

Robbie Scott (21), of Newcastle, has had his sentence increased after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

The court heard that Scott stole a gold chain from a younger man in February 2024 after threatening him with a zombie knife.

The victim’s father challenged Scott to return the chain before Scott squirted him in the face with a corrosive substance from a drinks bottle. Scott also threatened to stab the victim before fleeing the scene.

The victim has undergone further operations to rescue his vision but has completely lost sight in one of his eyes.

Solicitor General Sarah Sackman MP said:

Robbie Scott’s actions were cowardly and shameful. Not only did he violently rob someone younger than him with a zombie knife but when challenged he callously threw a corrosive substance in another person’s face.

His victim has suffered life-altering injuries and thankfully the courts recognised the severity of Robbie Scott’s crimes when they extended his sentence. Those who violently attack and intimidate others should be warned that you will be dealt with the full force of the law.

On 20 May 2024, Scott received eight years and six months’ imprisonment with a licence extension of one year and six months at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Crown Court for robbery, having a bladed article and a corrosive substance in a public place, grievous bodily harm with intent, and resisting a constable in the execution of his duty.

On 23 August 2024, Robbie Scott’s sentence was increased to eleven years imprisonment with an extended license period of three years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.