SWNS Derryck John stole two mopeds and tried to steal a further four in July last year

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Derryck John, 17, stole two of the mopeds and tried to steal a further four as the victims struggled in pain to remove their visors and helmets. John, of Croydon, south London, who was helped by an unidentified accomplice, was just 16 when he carried out the acid spree in 90 minutes in July last year. He was arrested at 3am when he crashed a scooter. One victim, Jabed Hussain, was pictured after he was attacked having his face rinsed with water by a policeman.

SWNS Jabed Hussain was one of John's victims, and was pictured having his face rinsed after the attack

When I am dealing with six offences involving acid coupled with robberies I am starting out at 12 years, but it must be longer. Judge Noel Lucas

John said that he had been led along by an older man who scared him. After the claim that he was coerced, Judge Noel Lucas adjourned sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court in north London until Monday but warned John that the starting point for his jail term was 12 years. He said: “When I am dealing with six offences involving acid coupled with robberies I am starting out at 12 years, but it must be longer.” He added: “The assertion is that Derryck John went along with the wishes of an older male of whom he was frightened and the one behind the actions.