Acid mugger: E-scooter rider jailed for spraying sulphuric acid in teen’s face to steal phone

Linden Crick approached another 17-year-old who was exercising in the park and squirted the acid in his face before stealing his phone.
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A teen mugger who left another youth with life-changing injuries after squirting him in the face with sulphuric acid to steal his phone, has been jailed for eight years.

Linden Crick used an e-scooter to cruise around Plashet Park, in East Ham, Newham, looking for victims on February 2 last year.

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The 17-year-old, along with an accomplice who has never been identified, first threatened a group of teens with a bottle full of acid in a bid to steal their phones.

He then approached another 17-year-old who was exercising in the park and squirted the acid in his face before stealing his phone.

One of the earlier group had phoned the police and officers recovered the bottle that had been dumped and it tested positive for sulphuric acid.

The victim was rushed to hospital with burn injuries following the attack, and has been left with what police call “life changing” injuries.

Acid mugger Linden Crick, 17. Credit: Met PoliceAcid mugger Linden Crick, 17. Credit: Met Police
Acid mugger Linden Crick, 17. Credit: Met Police
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Crick was arrested in April and was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court, after being convicted of GBH with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article and six counts of attempted robbery.

A judge removed an order that prevented Crick, of Woodford Avenue, Ilford, of being identified because of his age.

Detective Sergeant Keith Faris from the local policing team in Newham, said: “This was a shocking and needless attack which has left a young man with life changing injuries.

“The suspect entered the park that day with the express intent of intimidating and threatening others; when the victim refused the demand to hand over his phone he subjected to a horrendous and cowardly assault.

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“While the victim continues to recover, he will have to live with his injuries for the rest of his life. I can only hope that this conviction brings some sense of justice to him.”

Plashet Park, Newham. Credit: Malc McDonald/CCPlashet Park, Newham. Credit: Malc McDonald/CC
Plashet Park, Newham. Credit: Malc McDonald/CC

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: “A second suspect who was with the defendant at the time of the incident remains outstanding.

“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 6763/02Feb.”

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