Sunderland woman jailed for 13 years for ammonia attack on ex-friend

The victim had been living at her now former friend Donna English’s home in Sunderland.

But, Newcastle Crown Court was told that following a disagreement, English told her to leave.

English contacted the woman on November 20 last year claiming she owed a sum of money for rent, which the victim disputed.

Donna English, jailed for 13 years for suspected ammonia attack on ex-housemate who she blinded in one eye and left partially-sighted in the other (Image: The Northern Echo)

Turning up to her address on Carley Road, Southwick, English then three times squirted a substance from a bottle towards the victim.

It caused injuries to her face, eyes, head, hands and inside her mouth.

The substance was believed to be ammonia.

Following surgery and hospital treatment, the victim, in her 20s, was left completely blind in her right eye and partially sighted in her left.

She now relies on friends, family and carers to support to her with everyday tasks such as cooking and shopping, and she is unable to leave home alone.

The woman named English as the perpetrator to police officers arriving on scene following a 999 call made by her father.

English was found hiding in a nearby garden and the 41-year-old later charged with grievous bodily harm, which she denied.

But, following a five-day trial at the court, she was found unanimously guilty by a jury, earlier this year.

On Monday (June 8) she was jailed for 13 years.

In her personal statement, read to the court, the victim said: “The assault on November 20 has changed my life forever.

“My right eye is now completely blind and my consultant has informed me that the sight loss is permanent.”

She added: “The assault and the injuries I have suffered have had a massive impact on my mental health.

“Since the assault, I often feel hopeless and that I have no future.”

Detective Constable Catherine Jowett, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thanks go to the victim in this deeply upsetting case.

“She has been through a horrendous ordeal since November 20 last year and has been left with life-changing injuries.

“We also commend her for her immense bravery in having to speak at court as part of the trial and relive the vicious attack with which she was subjected to.

“Hopefully, now that her attacker has been jailed, she can begin to move on with her life, although we appreciate that permanent damage has been caused to her.”

Det Con Jowett added: “Donna English’s actions were reprehensible and completely unacceptable.

“Thankfully, we were able to make quick inquiries and get her into custody before being charged with a serious offence to which a jury found her guilty.

“Let us be clear, there is absolutely no place whatsoever for violence in the communities we serve and, although incidents of this nature are rare, we will always do our utmost to bring offenders to justice.

“English now has a significant period of time behind bars to reflect on the pain and misery she has caused to her victim.”