Brave woman who suffered horror burns in an acid attack by ex-boyfriend says she forgives her attacker
Adele Bellis was attacked in August 2014
A BRAVE woman who was the victim of a horrific acid attack which almost killed her has told Lorraine Kelly she forgives her attacker - because "he was a victim too".
Adele Bellis was attacked in August 2014 - in a brutal assault which melted her ear and left her scarred for life.
She was just 22 at the time of the attack, which was arranged by her abusive boyfriend, Anthony Riley, who she had been with for six years before he paid someone to attack her.
In an appearance on ITV's Lorraine to discuss her new book, which warn other women about the early signs of an abusive relationship, Adele described the shocking details of her attack.
She said: "I was on the way to work and I saw a guy with a hoodie on. It was a hot day but when he went past me I didn't think anything of it.
"But I don't know what made me turn my head - whether I felt his presence - but I turned my head as he chucked [the substance], it was just burning from then.
"I knew it was acid. The pain was unbelievable."
But courageous Adele confirmed that despite his horrific betrayal, she has completely moved on - and accepted her changed appearance.
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She explained: "I don't think of him, he's nothing to me.
"I've accepted it, this is me now."
Incredibly, Adele also revealed she had some understanding for her attacker, Jason Harrison - as she believes he was a victim of Anthony Riley too.
Riley is currently serving a minimum of 13 years of a life sentence.
Meanwhile Harrison, who was jailed for four years and four months last October, wrote a letter of apology to Adele - and told the court he was forced into the attack.
Adele told Lorraine: "Obviously he still did this to me, and I can't forgive him for that, but I kind of understand. He'd be threatened like I was by Anthony, so we were victims of him together."
The beautician also revealed TV presenter and activist Katie Piper, who was also the victim of an acid attack, has helped and supported her following her ordeal.
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