The victim of an acid attack who has been left unable to see out of one eye has described the devastating impact it has had on her life.
Former Cardiff University student Dr Rym El Alaoui was attacked outside her Brighton home by her former partner and medical student Milad Rouf on May 20.
Having disguised himself with make-up, a wig and a fat suit, Rouf travelled from his home in Newport Road, Roath, Cardiff, to Brightin via London, having made elaborate plans to permanently scar Dr El Alaoui, who ended their relationship in March.
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She received immediate and painful injuries to her face, chest, neck and arms, despite receiving prompt treatment at the Royal Sussex Hospital where she worked as a junior doctor.
Rouf later pleaded guilty to applying a corrosive fluid with intent and was given a 15-year extended prison sentence at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday.
In a victim impact statement read out to the court, Dr El Alaoui said she found it hard to believe how anyone could have committed such a horrific crime.
She said: "Since the day I was subjected to this horrific attack my life has changed tremendously whereby I have lived in constant physical and psychological pain and I live in fear of my future wellbeing and socio economic hardship. I have suffered substantial painful injuries as a result of this attack. The impact includes severe damage to my right eye which I am still unable to see out of, damage to my eyelashes and the skin of my face, neck, chest and arms.
"I am unable to fully move my neck or close my eyelids. So far I have had five painful life and appearance altering surgeries. I am still coming to terms that my life for the foreseeable future will involve more hospital appointments, procedures and operations.
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"I was working as a junior doctor and living independently but now I am unable to attend work or live my life as normal. I have been robbed of years of my career and young adult life. I have felt lost without the regular routine of work and not knowing whether my previous career will be available to me and anxiety of living in financial hardship. I have had to rely on loved ones and charity to allow me to continue to live. The psychological effect of this attack has been colossal on me and my family and loved ones, those around me needed psychological therapy.
"I cannot begin to imagine how or why someone could commit such a horrific pre meditated attack, it's impossible to fathom, find piece with or justify what was going on in his mind. As a result of this crime I am facing years of operations, procedures and psychological therapy. I am coming to term with the physical and mental injuries.
"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the first responders, the detectives and the healthcare staff involved since the moment I was attacked, as well as my loved ones who have supported me and continued to show me love and care through this life changing assault."
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