In a shocking incident that left the victim fearing for her safety, a man has been sentenced for throwing bleach over a schoolgirl. Regan Smith, who was 18 at the time of the attack, targeted a 15-year-old student in Bilborough on April 15, 2022. Nottingham Crown Court heard that Smith had sent multiple threatening Snapchat messages before carrying out the assault.
The motive behind the attack was revealed during the court proceedings. The victim had tried to intervene and stop Smith from harassing a friend he was attracted to, which led to him targeting the schoolgirl. The bleach mostly landed on her t-shirt but also splashed onto her face, causing a burning sensation that lasted for hours.
After dousing the victim with bleach, Smith further threatened her with physical violence if she didn’t move out of his way. Understandably shaken, the victim sought refuge at a relative’s address, and her mother promptly reported the incident to the police.
Police officers apprehended Smith at a local pub later that evening. He was subsequently brought before the courts to face charges. At the hearing, prosecutor Steven Taylor revealed that Smith had diluted bleach and carried it in a small bottle to the scene of the attack.
According to Taylor, Smith had been exchanging derogatory messages with a 14-year-old girl, whom he considered his ex-girlfriend, and her friends. The three friends attempted to leave the situation, but Smith pursued them onto Westleigh Road. An argument ensued, and Smith retrieved the bottle of bleach, throwing it at the 15-year-old victim.
The court learned that most of the bleach landed on the victim’s chest, narrowly missing her eye. However, the potential severity of the attack was not lost on Judge Michael Auty KC, who presided over the case. He emphasised that Smith’s actions could have resulted in permanent damage, even blindness, for the victim.
Smith, residing in Bilborough, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. Judge Auty sentenced him to 16 months in a young offender’s institution, which was suspended for two years. In addition, Smith must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and attend 10 rehabilitation activity days. The judge issued a stern warning that any further offences committed within the next two years would result in imprisonment.
During the sentencing, Judge Auty addressed Smith directly, highlighting the potential consequences of his actions. He emphasised the importance of empathy, asking Smith to consider how he would feel if someone had subjected his loved ones to such an attack. Inspector David Platt, who oversaw the investigation, echoed the gravity of the incident, noting that the victim had feared an acid attack and suffered ongoing anxiety as a result.
