Katie Piper's Attacker Could Be Released Soon, Say Parole Board

The man who attacked Katie Piper could be released, according to the Parole Board.

Stefan Sylvestre, her attacker, has been in prison for nine years but is to be considered for parole after serving longer than his recommended minimum sentence.

"We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has considered the parole review for Stefan Sylvestre and expect to receive the panel's decision in the coming weeks," said a spokeswoman for the Parole Board told the Daily Star.

"We are unable to comment further on the individual details of this case."

Stefan Sylvestre was jailed for life for his part in the 2008 attack on Ms Piper.

PA

She subsequently rebuilt her life and forged a career as a television presenter, hosting shows such as Katie: My Beautiful Face and Bodyshockers. It was announced this week that she will star in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, due to be aired this autumn.

Piper was an aspiring model before she was attacked by Sylvestre at the age of 25.

Her ordeal began when she met Daniel Lynch, who stabbed her and threatened her with disfigurement in a hotel room in March 2008.

Lynch then arranged for Stefan Sylvestre to meet her in the street and throw sulphuric acid into her face. The incident was caught on CCTV and both men were convicted for their part in it, with Lynch receiving two life sentences and a minimum tariff of 16 years.

PA

Piper was party blinded by the attack and forced to undergo extensive facial surgery.

She has been reticent to comment on the potential release of her attacker, but recently posted an image to Instagram that read: "When the world says, 'give up', hope whispers, 'try it one more time'," which some have taken to be a reference to the incident.

In a statement that was read to the court during Sylvestre's trial, she wrote: "When the acid was thrown at me, it felt like I was burning in hell. It was an indescribable, unique, torturous pain.

"I have lost my future, my career, my spirit, my body, my looks, my dignity - the list goes on. All I am left with is an empty shell. A part of me has died that will never come back. This is worse than death."

Topics: uk news, News, Celebrity News

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]