Criminal Daniel Lynch, who ordered an acid attack on Katie Piper in 2008, could walk free after serving his minimum term as the Parole Board considers his release
10:06, 05 Mar 2026Updated 10:14, 05 Mar 2026
Katie’s attacker could be released after 16 years(Image: Getty Images)
A vile criminal who orchestrated an acid attack on Katie Piper could soon walk free. Daniel Lynch, 50, ordered a friend to throw sulphuric acid in the TV star’s face back in 2008. The attack left Katie with life-threatening injuries and a long, painful road to recovery.
Now, Lynch is being considered for parole for the first time after serving his minimum sentence. MailOnline has reported a three-day Parole Board hearing is expected this week to decide if he will be freed.
Lynch was jailed for life in 2009, with a minimum term of 16 years. He instructed Stefan Sylvestre to throw the acid just days after raping and stabbing Katie in a hotel room.
Daniel has spent 16 years in prison(Image: PA)
The attack happened on the street in Golders Green, North London, when Sylvestre hurled acid at Katie at point-blank range.
Lynch was convicted of rape and grievous bodily harm and admitted to actual bodily harm at Wood Green Crown Court.
Sylvestre was also sentenced to life, with a minimum of six years. He was released on licence in 2018, aged 30, but reportedly absconded and now lives abroad.
At sentencing, the judge said the pair “represent the face of pure evil” and called the events “chilling, shocking”. “You planned and then executed an act of pure, calculated and deliberate evil,” the judge said.
Katie, a panellist on Loose Women, was just 24 at the time. She suffered devastating injuries to her face and eyesight. Lynch and Katie had met on Facebook in February 2008.
Stefan Sylvestre, who was jailed after throwing acid in the face of Katie Piper(Image: PA WIRE)
She previously told The Sun she was lucky to survive, but had an agonising road ahead. More than 400 operations were required to rebuild her face. For the first two years, she had to wear a clear plastic mask.
Since then, Katie has become a campaigner for burn victims and greater diversity in the media.
She has produced two Channel 4 documentaries, written an autobiography, self-help books, and taken on public speaking engagements. She also founded the Katie Piper Foundation, supporting burn victims.
Katie has long feared Lynch might attempt to harm her again upon release. Last year, she shared she would need an artificial eye after years of struggling with eye health.
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