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Man Who Attacked Katie Piper With Acid Released From Prison

Man Who Attacked Katie Piper With Acid Released From Prison

Stefan Sylvestre is out after spending nine years in jail

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The man who was jailed for throwing sulphuric acid at Katie Piper has been freed after serving nine years in prison.

Stefan Sylvestre was jailed on a life sentence with a minimum of six years for the horrific attack back in 2009 that left the Strictly Come Dancing contestant permanently scarred.

The 30-year-old was reportedly released from a prison in Suffolk on Wednesday this week.

Stefan Sylvestre.
PA

35-year-old Piper was badly scarred and left partially blinded by the attack in North London. Sylvestre was paid by Piper's ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch to commit the attack.

Sylvestre's release has been on the cards for a while now. Back in August it was revealed that his case was with the parole board after a hearing. Piper tweeted that it was 'a really difficult time' for her.

She said: "I am trying to come to terms with the decision and this is something I need to deal with.

"Over the past two weeks Strictly has already given me such a welcome and positive distraction from my past. Whilst there is never a good time to hear this news, I am glad I have this new journey to concentrate on."

PA

According to a Sun source, the terms of Sylvestre's release mean that he is unable to go near to Piper's address. However, he is allowed to return to London.

Strictly Come Dancing and BBC bosses have also given Piper more security during her time on the popular show.

The parole board's hearing found Sylvestre to have 'displayed empathy' towards Piper and 'expressed remorse and shame for his actions'. This was explained in the summary of their decision to release him.

The summary continued: "During his time in custody, Mr Sylvestre has actively avoided anti-social behaviour within the prison and has avoided violence, despite being under threat.

"He has behaved well to distance himself from such influences.

"He has not been involved in drugs in prison and has completed relevant offence-focused work to challenge and change his attitude and thinking."

Daniel Lynch.
PA

As for Lynch, he was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of 16 years for raping and ordering the attack on Piper.

Lynch became jealous and obsessive after a short relationship with Piper ended. He had previously been convicted for pouring boiling water onto another man.

In sentencing, Judge Nicholas Browne QC said that the pair of Lynch and Sylvestre were 'the face of pure evil'.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, BBC, acid attack, Strictly Come Dancing, crime, Prison