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A teenager has been jailed for 17 years after a nurse died when she was splashed from “head to toe” in acid during a fight in High Wycombe - the first acid attack killing in the UK.
Dementia nurse Joanne Rand, from Marlow, died from blood poisoning 11 days after she was struck with a bottle containing highly-concentrated sulphuric acid on June 3 last year.
She ran, screaming in pain to a nearby fast food restaurant in Frogmoor, High Wycombe, to douse herself in water after receiving chemical burns which later became infected.
She died 11 days later in hospital as a result of multiple organ failure.
Xeneral Webster, 19, was on trial for the murder of the 47-year-old at Reading Crown Court – but admitted manslaughter after arming himself with the maximum strength acid he had intended to use to injure another man he was in dispute with.
Ms Rand was sitting on a bench after visiting the grave of her daughter who died in a car accident, when the maximum strength chemical ammonia was splashed onto her hair, face, arms and feet.
Her family now say they may never be able to come to terms with her death after she was caught in the middle of the acid attack.
The remorseless Webster had initially compiled a letter of apology to the family and judge, only to swear at the judge when his lengthy sentence was revealed by Judge Angela Morris.
The 19-year-old had travelled from London and got involved in a fight with a rival when he presented the lethal plastic bottle.
Webster, who had himself been the victim of an acid attack, used the bottle to threaten the man, who knocked it from his hand and kicked the bottle at Rand, who felt a burning sensation all over her body.
Her sister Jacqueline Joyner told the court that the entire family would suffer ‘a lifetime of immeasurable loss and grief’ regardless of what sentence was imposed.
She added: “You [Webster] took her away from us. You did this to our family.
“Whatever sentence you get will never be enough to give us justice for the loss of Jo.
“Do you feel any remorse for what you did? You need to be held accountable for your actions.
“You will be free to live your life [when you leave prison] but her life is gone. For the safety of everyone we hope you get locked up for a very long time.”
Video by Thames Valley Police
Webster was sentenced concurrently for the manslaughter of Ms Rand, as well as other offences of threats to kill, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, criminal damage and affray.
The victim suffered burns to five per cent of her body and was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for treatment.
Although she was allowed to leave, she returned two days later and her condition declined rapidly.
Lesley Bates, prosecuting, told the court how Webster put on a balaclava after Ms Rand had run away for help.
He went over to the bench where she was sitting and retrieved the plastic bottle, before cycling away.
Webster was described as having a history of ‘illicit behaviour’ and had only recently been released from prison when he was caught in possession of another acid.
Nine days after the attack in High Wycombe, he made threats to kill and damaged a car with a samurai sword.
Judge Morris, sentencing, said: “Nobody disputes that the most serious of the offences occurred on June 3 in High Wycombe.
“There is no sentence that could be passed that would reflect the loss of her life.”
Webster will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release and will be subjected to a three-year period of extended licence.
Webster was also given an extended licence period of three years.
Adrian Foster, from the CPS, said: “Joanne Rand was not the intended victim of the attack but the prosecution was brought on the basis that by producing an open bottle of acid and raising it to the face of another man, Xeneral Webster intended to cause that individual really serious harm.
“Had Webster not planned to seriously hurt the intended victim, Joanne would still be alive today and he is responsible for her death.
“The consequences of Webster’s actions serve as a tragic example. I hope his conviction and subsequent sentence will serve as a reminder that the full extent of the law will be used robustly against those who use acid as a weapon intending to maim, disfigure or cause the death of a victim.
“Nothing will bring Joanne back to her family and friends, but we hope today’s sentence brings them, at least, a small sense that justice has been done.”
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Nick Glister, of Buckinghamshire Force CID, said: “An attack of this nature - in which acid is used as a weapon - is always likely to lead to life-changing injuries. In this case, tragically, it led to Joanne's death.
“Joanne was a much loved mother, sister, partner, friend and colleague and is deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
“The attack was painful and caused untold suffering to her family.
“I would like to pay tribute to Joannes relatives for the dignity and support theyve shown throughout the investigation and for so eloquently speaking out against those who carry acid.
“They dont want anyone else to go through what theyve been through and neither do we.
“While attacks of this nature are not common in the Thames Valley, this is little comfort to Joanne's family.
“No sentence will ever go any way towards easing their pain, but I hope they feel it goes some way towards enabling them to have a sense of closure on these utterly tragic events.”
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