A man convicted of orchestrating an acid attack on Katie Piper is seeking parole through a three-day hearing. Daniel Lynch, now 49, was sentenced to life in 2009 for his role in the heinous act. Following a 16-year minimum term, he is now up for potential release.
After multiple delays, a parole hearing is scheduled for March next year. While Katie is expected to have her victim impact statement presented, it remains uncertain if she will be present. The acid assault, planned by Lynch in March 2008, left Katie with severe facial burns when she was just 24 years old.
Now a 41-year-old mother of two, Katie has expressed concerns about her attackers’ potential release. Having undergone 400 surgeries to address her injuries, she has rebuilt her life, appearing on various TV programs such as a 2009 documentary detailing the attack’s aftermath and competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
Lynch, who was found guilty of rape and GBH, received a life sentence in March 2009. Stefan Sylvestre, who carried out the acid attack at the age of 19, admitted to GBH and was sentenced to life with a minimum of six years, being released in 2018.
Commenting on the severity of the crime, Judge Nicholas Browne QC referred to Lynch and Sylvestre as embodiments of pure evil. The relationship between Lynch and Katie turned abusive after she ended it, culminating in the acid attack orchestrated by Lynch and executed by Sylvestre in March 2008.
The Parole Board has confirmed that Lynch’s case has been forwarded for review, following standard procedures. Decisions regarding parole are centered on public safety post-release and evaluating behavioral changes and impacts on victims.
