Trio jailed for terrifying chemical attack outside McDonald's

Three men were today convicted of a gang-related ammonia attack at a McDonald's in Northampton.

The accused, all from Wellingborough, were sentenced at Northampton Crown Court for their part in an incident which took place in the early hours of July 23, 2017, outside the fast food restaurant in the Drapery.

Ammonia was thrown from a drinks bottle by the Wellingborough gang members who were targeting other Northampton-based gang rivals.

The chemical was sprayed towards the opposing gang who were standing in a crowd of people outside the town centre restaurant at about 4.30am.

Two members of the public and two police officers were injured by the effects of the ammonia discharge and required hospital treatment, although none suffered any lasting injuries.

The incident was initially treated as an acid attack, however, it was later established the liquid was ammonia.

Frank Taylor, aged 25, Ijuha Sterling-Campbell, aged 21, and 22-year-old Jake Price, all pleaded guilty to four counts of administering a poison or noxious substance with intent to injure.

Today Taylor was jailed for two years and nine months, while Price and Sterling-Campbell each received sentences of two years and eleven months.

Detectives praised the officers at the scene for their professionalism.

They say the incident, although rare, is the continuation of a worrying national trend.

They're also determined to crack down on gang activity and are asking the public for their help to do so.