A man who threw scalding hot water over a policeman in a horrifying racist attack has avoided jail.
Astrit Mala, 47, assaulted two police officers helping council staff evicting him from a property in Southall, West London on July 1 this year.
As they entered, Mala hurled the contents of a cup of tea into both of their faces, before grabbing a kettle and throwing boiling water at one policeman, leaving him with facial burns.
He also shouted abuse at the officers during the incident, including racial slurs and allegedly threatening to kill them.
Mala was arrested inside the property on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, making threats to kill and a racially aggravated public order offence.
He was later charged with two counts of assault on an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence, all of which he pleaded guilty to at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on December 7.
He was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay a total of £500 compensation.
The sentencing was met with outrage by some social media users, with one councillor tweeting: "Hardly much of a deterrent!"
Another person wrote: "This should be appealed. Where is the deterrence?"
The Met Police has since contacted the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to "fully understand" the sentencing decision.
A spokesperson for the force told the Mirror: "All too often officers suffer assaults, threats and abuse on duty. There are an average of 135 physical assaults against Met officers and staff every week.
"Every assault is shocking and can have devastating consequences for the victim. These offences must be taken seriously.
"Sentencing is a matter for the courts and is out of the hands of officers. However we recognise the strong views that have been shared in relation to the decision to suspend the sentence in this case.
"In reaching their decisions, the courts take into account a number of factors including but not limited to any previous criminal history, the timing of any guilty pleas and information put forward by agencies including social services and probation.
"In this case consideration was also given to medical reports that were ordered by the court prior to sentencing to provide information on Mala’s mental health.
"We are in touch with the Crown Prosecution Service to fully understand the factors that led to this sentencing decision and to consider what, if any, further representations may need to be made."
The Mirror has contacted the CPS for comment.
