Arthur Collins, ex-boyfriend and father of Ferne McCann's daughter, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of an acid attack in an east London club. Arthur threw the corrosive substance at innocent clubbers in Mangle E8 back in April of the year, and was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court with an additional 5 months on licence. Judge Noel Lucas QC described 25-year-old Collins' attack as a 'despicable act' as he spoke in court; branding him an 'accomplished liar' who has 'not the slightest remorse for his actions.'
As Judge Lucas claimed security levels at Mangle E8 were 'poor,' the father of Ferne's daughter referred to his actions as a 'stupid little mistake' while reportedly showing little in the way of a reaction upon hearing his sentence. This all comes as 23-year-old Phoebe Georgiou, one of Collins' 22 victims, pens an open letter to the criminal.
She says: "Ever since that fateful Easter Sunday in April 2017, the day my old life was taken from me, all my time has been spent trying to process and work towards some kind of recovery of my burned, scarred skin and the psychological trauma you've caused me.
"Physically and mentally, I'll never be the same.
"From the moment that thick, steaming, caustic liquid came flying through the air, landing on my skin, drenching, burning and choking me, my life changed."
Phoebe adds: "Instead of coming forward and admitting and taking responsibility for your actions, you gutlessly ran from the evil crime that you committed. You showed no remorse or compassion for me or any of your victims.
"When you were finally found, seven days after you threw a full bottle of acid with a PH level of 1 over masses of people in a crowded nightclub, you tried to run again.
"You then dragged all of your victims through the mud, forcing us all to relive the pain and anguish and suffer throughout the entirety of this case.
"You wasted everyone's time, causing me and my family so much strain and anxiety - all because you couldn't find a thread of human decency in your being to take responsibility for your actions and the pain that you've caused.
"This case and the constant broadcasting of it in the news has made my recovery an even bigger struggle. I have been given a life sentence because of you.
"But I am growing stronger every day and I will move forward leaving the mess you have caused behind me, where you belong."
Here's what else is going on this week:
DEC 18TH : SHOWBIZ GALLERY
The winner of Strictly Come Dancing was revealed
**Holby City **actor Joe McFadden was crowned the winner of **Strictly Come Dancing **with his partner Katya Jones.
Wayne Rooney broke his silence on drink driving scandal
Everton footballer Wayne Rooney broke his silence for the first time, admitting he made a 'big mistake'.
Ed Sheeran reveals he has written a theme tune for a BIG film
Ed Sheeran has a James Bond theme tune ready if he is ever called upon. The singer is ready to follow in the footsteps of Shirley Bassey, Adele, and Sam Smith.
The Apprentice final took place
Lord Alan Sugar made history when he chose two winners for this year's The Apprentice. Sarah Lynn and James White both received his backing.
Helen Flanagan announced exciting baby news
**Coronation Street **actress Helen Flanagan announced she's pregnant with her second child.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released new photos
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement photos, including this stunning one of the couple.
Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes could be getting their own TV show
**Love Island **2017 stars Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes could be getting their own TV show to document the ups and downs in their love life.
Khloe Kardashian confirmed she's pregnant
After months of speculation, Khloe Kardashian finally revealed the news she's expecting her first child with her boyfriend Tristan Thompson.
Mindy Kaling welcomed a baby girl
**The Mindy Project **star Mindy Kaling welcomed a baby girl called Katherine.
Eva Longoria Bastón announced happy baby news
Eva Longoria Bastón announced she's expecting her first baby with her husband José. The couple are expecting a baby boy.
Rag 'n' Bone Man revealed details about his album
Rag 'n' Bone Man revealed he's already written 10 songs for his second album, so he can spend quality time with his four-month baby boy in 2018.
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden had some exciting baby news
According to reports, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden are going to adopt a child.
Jessie Wallace set to return to EastEnders
Jessie Wallace is set to return to popular soap **EastEnders **in 2018 as her character Kat Moon.
Cheryl publicly congratulated Khloe Kardashian
Cheryl congratulated Khloe Kardashian on her pregnancy in a sweet message left on her post.
Liam Payne and Rita Ora teased a collaboration
Liam Payne and Rita Ora teased they would be working together for the official single for the movie Fifty Shades Freed.
Charley Webb rumoured for Celebrity Big Brother
Emmerdale actress Charley Webb is being tipped by bookies to appear on** Celebrity Big Brother **when it returns in January.