WEMBLEY WOMAN JAILED FOR ACID ATTACK OVER FEARS OF CHEATING
A woman named Esther Afrifa, aged 28, was sentenced to 14 years in prison following her attack on her boyfriend, Kelvin Pogo, in Wembley, northwest London.She had purchased a litre of sulphuric acid online and kept it hidden beside her bed in their shared home.
Her motive was based on false beliefs, as she suspected Pogo was having an affair, specifically with a university classmate.
On December 22, 2019, at about 3:30 am, she poured acid onto his chest while he slept, causing serious burns on his face and body and resulting in permanent blindness.
Despite experiencing injuries, Pogo initially tried to treat himself with holy water and asked her to seek help, but Afrifa pretended to make an emergency call and obstructed others from assisting him.
More than four hours later, she launched a second attack, pouring more acid onto his face and torso while he was on the sofa.
The court, with Judge Charles Bourne QC presiding, described her actions as ‘a truly wicked thing to do,’ noting her deliberate preparation of a weapon likely to cause severe disfigurement and pain.
She was found guilty of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was initially detained in a secure hospital due to mental health issues arising after the attacks.
Mr.
Pogo, who is 29 and moved to the UK to study film, now bears extensive scars, faces psychological trauma, and fears for his future, including potential deportation owing to medical bills and visa issues.
He also experiences suicidal thoughts but remains committed to his goal of becoming a filmmaker despite his injuries.
Following her prison term, Afrifa is expected to be deported to Ghana.
