A neighbour from hell was sentenced to six years in prison this week after throwing a pot of boiling oil over a man in an “unprovoked attack”.
Portuguese national Ivan Bonaparte carried out the horrific assault on his flatmate after he feared he would become homeless.
Facing eviction from his flat in Dagenham, the 33-year-old decided to attack Daniel Asianicasi at their home in order to go to prison.
Bonaparte, who had previously been spared jail in 2020 after threatening another flatmate with a claw hammer and boiling kettle, boiled a large metal pot of oil on the stovetop before throwing it over Asianicasi’s back.
The attack took place at a property on Cambeys Road in Dagenham
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Explaining how the attack unfolded in court, prosecutor Greg Unwin said: “He went to the kitchen and began cooking the oil…
“He said the moment he picked up the oil his heart was shaking because he knew what he was about to do.
“He knew it would cause serious burns and scarring and even a risk of death.
“His own feelings were more important to him at the time than those of the victim.”
He added that Bonaparte’s attack was motivated by a desire to get “a long prison sentence and help and support”.
The victim was left with full-thickness burns over eight per cent of his body.
In an impact statement, Asianicasi said: “When I was in hospital after what happened I was confused as I did not understand why he did this. We had no discussion before the attack. He just did this.
“Ivan is a threat to anyone around him. Most discussions we had he was convinced he was right.
“If someone disagreed he would become angry and threatening… One time I was watching TV on my day off and he hit my door with a hammer because he wanted me to turn the TV down.”
Sentencing, Judge Alison Levitt said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack, the victim had done nothing to deserve this.
“They had done nothing to provoke it. It was done because you thought you would become street homeless.”
Bonaparte was handed an extended sentence of six years plus another four on license. He was also given an indefinite restraining order.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
