A wave of outrage is building after the man who orchestrated the horrific acid attack on television presenter Katie Piper could soon walk free from prison.

Daniel Lynch, now 50, was jailed for life in 2009 after ordering a brutal attack that left the young TV star fighting for her life. In 2008, Lynch instructed accomplice Stefan Sylvestre to throw sulphuric acid directly into Katie’s face on a street in Golders Green, North London.

The attack came just days after Lynch had raped and stabbed Katie in a hotel room — a series of crimes that shocked the nation and left the then-24-year-old with devastating injuries.

Stefan Sylvestre, who was jailed after throwing acid in the face of Katie Piper

Now, after serving the minimum 16 years of his life sentence, Lynch is being considered for release for the first time. A three-day hearing by the Parole Board is reportedly taking place this week to determine whether he can be freed.

At the time of sentencing, a judge delivered a damning verdict on the pair’s crimes, declaring that they represented “the face of pure evil” and condemning the attack as “chilling” and “shocking.” The judge told Lynch: “You planned and then executed an act of pure, calculated and deliberate evil.”

Daniel has spent 16 years in prison

Sylvestre, the man who physically carried out the acid attack, was also sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of six years. He was released on licence in 2018 at the age of 30, though reports later claimed he absconded and is believed to be living abroad.

Katie’s life was permanently altered by the brutal assault. She suffered catastrophic burns to her face and serious damage to her eyesight, beginning a long and painful journey of recovery.

The star previously revealed she underwent more than 400 operations as surgeons worked to rebuild her face. For the first two years following the attack, she had to wear a transparent plastic mask to help protect and heal her damaged skin.

Despite the unimaginable trauma, Katie has transformed her experience into a powerful mission to help others. She has since become one of Britain’s most prominent campaigners for burn survivors and greater representation of people with visible differences in the media.

She has produced Channel 4 documentaries, written an autobiography and several self-help books, and regularly speaks publicly about resilience and recovery.

Katie also founded the Katie Piper Foundation, a charity that provides vital support for people living with burns and scarring.

However, the prospect of Lynch’s release has long been a source of fear for the presenter. She previously admitted she worries about what could happen if he ever leaves prison.

Last year, Katie shared another heartbreaking update about her health, revealing she will eventually need an artificial eye after years of complications linked to the attack.

For many who remember the case, the possibility that the man behind one of Britain’s most notorious attacks could soon walk free has sparked anger — and renewed debate about justice, safety, and the long-lasting impact of violent crime.