Derryck John. Image: Met Police

A 17 year-old from Croydon has pleaded guilty to six acid attacks on moped riders while trying to steal their vehicles.

Two of the six victims continue to receive treatment for their injuries.

Judge Noel Lucas QC lifted the anonymity order which was in place because of his age, and said it was in the public interest.

Derrick John admitted carrying out the attacks in North and East London on the 13th July last year when appearing at Wood Green Crown Court Monday 8th January.

He was originally due to stand trial, having earlier denied the charges, but changed his plea at the last minute.

Judge Lucas read a note from the defendant which said:

I really didn’t appreciate the damage that would be done. I’m terrified of the sentence that I will receive and I’m very sorry for what I did and realise I will receive a significant sentence of imprisonment.

DS James Leeks from Hackney CID said:

Derryck John did not think twice about using a life changing and even potentially life-threatening substance against those who resisted his robbery attempts. Acid attacks ruin lives and have no place in our society.

It beggars belief that anyone would be prepared to scar someone for life and leave them to live with life-changing injuries for the sake of a phone or a moped.

He’ll be sentenced on Friday, 9th March.