Gegli news - Opinion: 'Sentence given to acid attacker sets a standard'

Collins, an ex-boyfriend of TOWIE star Ferne McCann, has now been sentenced to 20 years in jail with a further five years on licence.

Here, Lauren tells her story:

I was celebrating my 22nd birthday with my best friend Sophie at the time of the attack. We were invited on to a friend's table.

We were about to leave - probably about two minutes before it happened. As I bent down to get my bag, that's when the acid struck.

All I really remember of that night is the dancefloor. Everyone just suddenly looked like they had been swallowed up.

I remember the sheer panic - and 10 seconds later, when I touched my neck, skin was coming off in my hands.

I remember coming out of the bathroom after dousing myself in water to find victims with their faces missing. Their faces hanging off. People were just screaming in pain.

Then I saw my best friend. The acid had affected her whole face and her eye. She couldn't see.

I knew it was acid, but she didn't. I had to sit there and tell her to keep dousing herself in water.

That night is hard for me. Everything is that crystal clear - and it is sad. I would never wish that situation on anyone, and I wouldn't wish to go through that again.

It has definitely changed me. Before the attack I was really outgoing. I still am - and to a certain extent I would like to think that I haven't let this affect me - but there are moments when I cry or get angry. There was no reason for the attack.

It has affected my actions and thoughts on a daily basis. When I get on the Tube or a fight breaks out, or someone throws a drink, the first thing that goes through my head is: are they carrying acid? Are they going to throw acid?

I have been left with a fear of the unknown, and a fear of people I don't know.

The sentence given to Arthur Collins sets a standard - but whether justice has been served, I don't know.