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Teenager admits killing nurse who was unwittingly caught in acid attack crossfire

Joanne Rand was killed after the attack - INS News Agency Ltd
Joanne Rand was killed after the attack - INS News Agency Ltd

A teenager has admitted killing a nurse who died after being soaked with sulphuric acid when she became caught in the crossfire of dispute.

The murder trial of Xeneral Webster was halted when he told a judge he admitted the manslaughter of dementia nurse Joanne Rand a week into proceedings.

Ms Rand, 47, died from blood poisoning 11 days after running screaming in pain to a nearby fast food restaurant for help with chemical burns, which later became infected.

Webster will be sentenced on June 15.

Ms Rand's daughter was in court to hear the change of plea and was supported by family members.

Chart: Acid attacks across the UK
Chart: Acid attacks across the UK

Ms Rand was sat on a bench on June 3 last year having visited her daughter's grave in Frogmoor, High Wycombe, when Webster, 19, produced an opened bottle of sulphuric acid. 

The substance, which was knocked over during a fight between Webster and two other male teenagers, spilled onto Ms Rand's arm, feet and hair when the bottle was kicked in her direction.  

Webster, of west London was formally acquitted, on the directions of the judge, on the charges of murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and robbery.