First acid attack in Peterborough area leaves victims suffering significant physical and mental harm

Nico White-Channer is jailed for acid attack burglary. PHOTO: Cambridgeshire Police (Image: Archant)

Nico White-Channer, 27, and two other men burst into the property in Ashville Road at about 2.30am on 9 May last year.

Acid was thrown at two of the occupants and another was assaulted, before the men demanded money.

The three victims were men in their 20s.

One of the victims jumped out of the first floor window to get away while White-Channer and his accomplices searched the property.

Detective Constable Fran Scott said: “This incident has had a significant physical and psychological impact on the victims.

“This is the first case that I’m aware of involving acid in Peterborough. Thankfully incidents of this nature are incredibly rare, but we will not tolerate such acts in our county.

“Tackling burglary is priority for the constabulary and we’re working hard to bring offenders before the courts.”

The culprits fled the scene after stealing two bicycles, a games console and a bag containing a mobile phone and set of keys to a vehicle.

The acid burnt through two of the victim’s clothes and onto their skin, causing serious injuries to their arms and legs that required specialist treatment and skin grafts.

White-Channer’s DNA was found on a cigarette butt outside the property. When he was arrested three days later he was in possession of the stolen mobile phone.

Damian Rutterford, 20, who drove White-Channer and the other two men to the property was charged with burglary.

Both men were sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court today (10 August) having previous pleaded guilty.

White-Channer, of Carisbrook Road, Mitcham, London, was sentenced to 14 years and eight months for aggravated burglary.

Rutterford, of Church Gate, Deeping St James, was jailed for two years and six months.