Men to stand trial after train station acid attack

Two men are set to stand trial following an alleged acid attack in West Sussex.

Wade Richards, 24, pleaded not guilty to having a corrosive substance in a public place at a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday.

However, he admitted grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and possessing a bladed article.

A second defendant, Daniel Sparks, pleaded not guilty to GBH and wounding with intent.

The pair are due to stand trial in September at Lewes Crown Court.

It comes after a man in his 30s was attacked by three men at Crawley railway station shortly after 23:20 GMT on 7 March.

He was taken to hospital with potentially life-changing chemical burn injuries and later discharged.

The victim is continuing to recover from his injuries.

The substance thrown at him was tested and found to be corrosive, Sussex Police said.

Lewes Crown Court heard it had a pH value of 14 - slightly more than the average bleach.

Update 11 May: A previous version of this article stated in the headline that a man pleaded not guilty after train station acid attack. We have updated this to say that two men are set to stand trial following an alleged acid attack in West Sussex after clarification from the court that there were two defendants.

We have also added in the name of the second defendant and included his not guilty plea and that the pair are due to stand trial in September at Lewes Crown Court.

In addition, we have also included that the court heard that the substance thrown had a pH value of 14 – which is slightly more than average bleach.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.