WIREDGOV

The IPCC is investigating what Leicestershire Police knew and how they responded to information about two people later accused of carrying out an acid attack on Daniel Rotariu.

A trial at Leicester Crown Court ended today when Katie Leong, aged 52, was found guilty of the attempted murder of Mr Rotariu, who had sulphuric acid poured on him as he slept on 27 July last year (2016). She was jailed for life and will serve a minimum term of 17 years. Co-accused Mark Cummings, 46, was found not guilty of the same offence.

Following a referral from Leicestershire Police the IPCC began an investigation into the action taken by officers and staff after receiving reports, dating back to February 2016, that Leong and Mr Cummings were in contact with each other in breach of a restraining order and that acid had been acquired to carry out a premeditated attack.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “This was a truly horrific incident and my sympathies are with Mr Rotariu who has been through a terrible ordeal.

“Although we have started our investigation some aspects of it were put on hold due to the criminal proceedings. Now that those proceedings have concluded we will be looking to progress our enquiries to help establish whether the police response to the information received was appropriate and if there is any organisational learning that can be identified.”