Man in Taichung sentenced to 9.5 years for acid attack over water bill dispute leaving victim nearly blind

Central News Agency report.

(CNA reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, June 13) A man surnamed Zhuang in Taichung had a dispute with another man surnamed Li over water utility fees. In August last year, Li and his friend, a man surnamed Chen, went to Zhuang’s residence in Taichung to demand payment, leading to an argument. Zhuang threw a brick at Li, causing head trauma, bilateral traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic subdural hemorrhage, abrasions and lacerations on the right ear, face, and limbs, and dental damage.

Zhuang then poured a bottle of high-concentration sulfuric acid on Chen, resulting in 2nd to 3rd degree chemical burns across his body. The attack destroyed Chen’s left eye vision—leaving him unable to perceive light—and severely impaired his right eye, which can now only distinguish fingers at a distance of about 5 centimeters.

After investigation by the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, Zhuang was indicted on charges including causing serious bodily harm under the Criminal Code.

During the trial at Taichung District Court, the panel noted that Zhuang caused severe injuries over a mere financial dispute and verbal conflict. The court emphasized that the victim’s vision was permanently devastated, severely impacting his future quality of life.

The court considered that Zhuang initially downplayed his actions, admitting only to assault, and only fully confessed during the trial. However, no reconciliation was reached with the victim.

The first-instance verdict was announced on June 4, sentencing Zhuang to 1 year and 10 months for assault and 8 years and 6 months for causing serious injury, with a combined sentence of 9 years and 6 months in prison. The ruling is appealable.