Teenager jailed for 17 years for killing nurse with acid

Sophie Williams31 July 2018
WEST END FINAL

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A teenager has been handed a 17-year jail term for killing a nurse by throwing acid over her as she sat on a park bench.

Xeneral Webster, 19, was jailed at Reading Crown Court for the manslaughter of Joanne Rand in the UK's first acid killing.

Ms Rand was sitting on a park bench in Frogmoor, Buckinghamshire, when a bottle of acid was kicked over her during an altercation between a group of men nearby.

Thames Valley Police

Webster fled the scene on a bike as Ms Rand rushed to a KFC for help.

The teenager was pictured riding away from the scene
PA

She was admitted to Stoke Mandeville Hospital with severe burns on five percent of her body on June 3 but died 11 days later due to organ faliure.

During the sentencing, Judge Angela Morris told Webster: "You and your actions bear the responsibility for her tragic demise.

"The cost of your actions on that fateful Sunday afternoon are incalculable for her family and friends."

The teenager shouted abuse at Judge Morris after the sentencing.

Ms Rand (right) pictured with her daughter
PA

Ms Rand's daughter told the court that she struggled to cope with the loss of her mother, adding: "I don't understand how someone can do something so heartless and evil."

Shortly after Webster was charged with Ms Rand's death, her family issued a statement paying tribute to the mother-of-three.

It said: "Jo will be fondly remembered as a fun-loving, bubbly and caring person. She meant so much to so many and her tragic and sudden death has everyone who knew her shocked and deeply saddened."

The family said that Ms Rand was known for her "witty sense of humour" and that her favourite saying was "crack on."

Brendan Kelly, defending Webster said his client was sorry and did not intend to cause any harm.

He added: "He has a troubled and violent background in which he himself has been abused."

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