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Katie Piper Says Decision To Release Acid Attacker Is 'Really Difficult' For Her

Emma Rosemurgey

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| Last updated 

Katie Piper Says Decision To Release Acid Attacker Is 'Really Difficult' For Her

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Katie Piper has described the decision to release the man who attacked her with acid has "made this a difficult time for me".

Stefan Sylvestre was handed a life sentence in 2009 for throwing acid at the TV presenter, but is set to be released after serving his minimum term of just six years.

Katie, who is currently preparing to appear on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, suffered horrendous injuries which left her permanently scarred after her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch arranged for Sylvestre to throw the acid in March 2008.

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On hearing the news of Sylvestre's release, Katie tweeted: "This is a really difficult time for me. I am trying to come to terms with the decision and this is something I need to deal with.

"Over the past 2 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."

A spokeswoman for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board directed the release of Mr Stefan Sylvestre following an oral hearing.

Credit: PA Images
Credit: PA Images
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"Parole Board decisions are solely focused on whether a prisoner would represent a significant risk to the public after release.

"The panel will have carefully looked at a whole range of evidence, including details of the original evidence and any evidence of behaviour change.

"We do that with great care and public safety is our number one priority."

Credit: PA Images
Credit: PA Images
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According to the Parole Board's summary of the oral hearing, the fact that Sylvestre was just 19-years-old when he conducted the act has played a part in the decision to release him.

At the time, he was said to be "drawn into a criminal lifestyle in his teens and involved with drugs" but has "behaved well to distance himself from such influences" as well was repairing his relationship with his family during his time in prison.

Topics: Celebrity News

Emma Rosemurgey
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