Life sentence for woman found guilty of acid attack

A woman found guilty of trying to kill her partner by dousing him in sulphuric acid in his sleep has been sentenced to life in prison.

52-year-old Katie Leong had formed a relationship with Daniel Rotariu who lived in the same shared house in Turner Road, Leicester.

The court heard how in July last year Leong and Daniel had argued resulting in him going to bed early.

At 2am the following morning, while the 31-year-old slept in his downstairs bedroom, he was violently assaulted when sulphuric acid was poured over him.

He suffered severe injuries including burns to 32% of his body and the loss of sight in both eyes. He spent 26 weeks in hospital undergoing life-saving treatment and will continue to require medical help for many years to come.

Leong was arrested and later charged with attempting to murder Daniel.

A jury at Leicester Crown Court found her guilty of attempted murder and she was sentenced to a 34 year life sentence, to serve a minimum of 17 years.

A co-accused, Mark Cummings was found not guilty of the same offence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Ward, who led the investigation, said: “The attack on Daniel was utterly wicked and it is quite astonishing that he survived.