Crawley Station Acid Attack Suspect Appears in Court

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court following a serious assault involving a corrosive substance at Crawley railway station earlier this year.

Wade Richards, of Three Bridges Road in Crawley, appeared before magistrates on Wednesday 22 April charged with Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent, possession of a corrosive substance, and possession of a bladed article. The case was heard at Crawley Magistrates' Court.

The court was told that Richards has been remanded in custody and is due to appear next at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 7 May.

Police were first called to the station shortly after 11.20pm on Saturday 7 March following reports of an attack. It is alleged that a man in his 30s was approached by a group of three individuals, during which one of them threw a substance at him.

The victim was then pursued and fell to the ground before being kicked by the group, who subsequently left the scene. Emergency services attended and the injured man was taken to hospital.

Medical staff treated him for chemical burns described as potentially life-changing. The substance used in the attack was later confirmed to be corrosive. He has since been discharged from hospital and is continuing his recovery.

Image: British Transport Police