Katie Piper 'trying to come to terms' with decision to free acid attacker from prison after nine years

Katie Piper has said she is "trying to come to terms with the decision" to release the man who attacked her with acid.

The television presenter thanked fans for their support on an Instagram post as she admitted the release of Stefan Sylvestre made this a "very difficult time" for her.

Sylvestre, now 30, from Shepherd’s Bush, west London, was given a life sentence in 2009 for the attack and was told he must serve a minimum of six years before he would be eligible for parole.

Piper was left fighting for her life after obsessive ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch arranged for Sylvestre to throw the corrosive liquid in March 2008.

The former model, who is to star in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, suffered horrific injuries in the acid attack that left her permanently scarred.

The Parole Board’s decision summary said Sylvestre’s case was considered at an oral hearing, adding that Piper read statements in person to the panel.

The document adds: “The panel considered that there were a number of things that reduced Mr Sylvestre’s risk of causing serious harm in the future.

“Mr Sylvestre is now 30 years of age and was just 19 when he committed the index offence.

“He was drawn into a criminal lifestyle in his teens and was involved with drugs.

“During his time in custody, Mr Sylvestre has actively avoided anti-social behaviour within the prison and has avoided violence, despite being under threat.

“He has behaved well to distance himself from such influences.

“He has repaired his relationship with his family, has gained employment-related skills and improved his education.

“He has not been involved in drugs in prison and has completed relevant offence-focused work to challenge and change his attitude and thinking.”

The summary said a forensic psychologist told the panel that there were factors which would protect Sylvestre from returning to offending and a criminal lifestyle, including his improved relationship with his family and his plans for the future.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Our heartfelt sympathies are with Katie Piper for the ordeal she has suffered.

“Acid attacks are abhorrent and those convicted can face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“The release of indeterminate sentenced prisoners is a matter for the independent Parole Board, which carries out a full risk assessment before making a decision."

The Parole Board summary said Sylvestre became eligible to be considered for release on April 8 2014, and had a previous review by the Parole Board in 2015.

Lynch was jailed for life with a minimum of 16 years for sexually assaulting Piper and telling Sylvestre to throw acid over her.

The pair had dated briefly before steroid-fuelled martial arts fan Lynch, who had a previous conviction for pouring boiling water over a man, became obsessively jealous.

In court, Lynch and Sylvestre were told by Judge Nicholas Browne QC they were “the face of pure evil”.