Family fury as acid attackers escape charges

Dec 19 2006 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A SCHOOLGIRL scarred for life in an horrific acid attack has been left devastated after being told her three assailants have had the case against them dropped.

Sixteen-year-old Sian Gardner, of Edison Grove, Quinton, suffered appalling burns to her head in the vicious attack in Smethwick six months ago.

A fun night out at a fair turned to horror when she was set upon by a group of older girls in Windmill Lane, Smethwick. One of the girls fell over - and Sian made the mistake of laughing.

Sian, who is studying at Bournville College, was blinded when a corrosive liquid - a mixture of acid, bleach and chill pepper - was thrown in her face.

Terrified Sian tried to run away but the gang chased her, kicked her to the ground and poured more of the liquid over her head.

Police arrested three women, aged 21, 19 and 16, in connection with the incident and all were charged with wounding with intent.

But the Birmingham Mail has now learned that the case has been discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service because of a lack of evidence.

Sian's furious mother Denise Belford, aged 43, said today she could not believe that her daughter's attackers had seem-ingly got away with it.

"Sian is absolutely devastated by the decision - her life has been shattered but these three women are still walking the streets.

"Sian saw one of them the other day and she just froze with fear.

"Apparently the police could not prove who had actually thrown the substance in Sian's face but in my view that is no reason to drop the case.

"All three of these women were there when Sian was attacked and they should all be judged equally responsible.

"I have lost all faith in the justice system after this. Justice has not been done and I may now take out a private prosecution.

"Sian is going to need surgery on her injuries and could have a lifetime of problems ahead of her.

"She suffered full-thickness burns to her head and ears in the attack. All the hair was burned off and it has not grown back.

"She won't go out without a scarf around her head and I find it astonishing that the women who did this to my daughter are walking around scot-free."

A CPS spokesman confirmed that the case had been dropped and no future court hearings were planned.

The matter was still under consideration and other avenues were being explored in the hope of reviving the case.