First Charges Laid Under New Acid Attack Law in Kent
Corrosive Substance Charge Hits Lydd High Street
Kent Police have made history with the first-ever use of new legislation targeting corrosive substances in public. The offence, introduced on 6 April 2022 under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, was applied following a shocking incident on Lydd High Street.
Bleach Thrown in Late-Night Kebab Shop Brawl
Just after midnight on Saturday 9 April, cops rushed to reports of a disturbance that exploded from inside a kebab shop onto the street. Andrew Maloney, 53, from Romney Marsh, is accused of hurling a disinfectant or bleach at a group, leaving a man in his 20s with painful injuries and temporary loss of vision.
Serious Charges and Court Dates
Maloney was swiftly arrested and charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, affray, possession of a corrosive substance in public, making threats with an offensive weapon, and damaging a police car. He appeared before Folkestone magistrates on 11 April and was remanded in custody. He will next face Canterbury Crown Court on 9 May.
