A man who disguised himself as a woman to throw acid over his ex-girlfriend has been jailed for 15 years.
On October 7, Milad Rouf a former medical student, was sentenced after pleading guilty to count 1 of applying a corrosive fluid with intent on May 20, 2021.
Rouf, from Cardiff, used a costume to disguise himself as a Black woman of a larger build and went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, a junior doctor, in Brighton, Sussex, southern England. When she opened the door he handed her a note and as she read it threw sulphuric acid in her face.
The acid was so concentrated it scorched the paintwork off Alaoui’s front door, The Guardian reported.
A criminal investigation led Sussex Police to search Rouf’s home. It revealed a shopping list detailing what he needed for his costume, as well as the costume itself.
In a victim personal statement, Dr. Alaoui, the ex-girlfriend of Rouf and victim of this attack, said she fears for her future after Rouf robbed her of her career and young adult life, the Daily Mail reported.
In the statement, Dr. Alaoui wrote: ‘When I came to answer the door that day, a substance I now know to be sulphuric acid was thrown into my face.
‘Since the day I was subject to this horrific attack, my life has changed. I live in pain and fear of my future wellbeing and financial hardship.
‘The impact of the attack includes severe damage to my right eye which I am still unable to see out of. Damage to eyelids and damage to skin on face, neck, and arm.
Even after five surgeries, she told the court about her inability to move her neck or close her eyelids.
“I am unable to attend work or live my life.” she wrote. “I have been robbed of years of my career and young adult life. The psychological effect had been colossal on me, my family, and loved ones.
“I cannot begin to imagine why somebody would commit such a premeditated and horrible attack. I cannot understand what was in his mind,” the doctor wrote.
Investigating officer Rose Horan from Sussex Police said: “I’d like to thank the victim for showing such incredible bravery and dignity throughout.
“Rouf spent considerable time planning this calculated attack. He changed his entire appearance in a convoluted attempt to get away with this cruel act. He wore padding under his clothing to appear as a large build female, made his skin look darker, wore a wig, and even disguised his motive with the debt note he threw at his victim.”
Anyone affected by abuse and in need of support can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Advocates are available 24/7 and additionally reachable by texting LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474 or via live chat on thehotline.org.
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