Mark van Dongen‘s case remains one of the most harrowing examples of acid attacks and their devastating consequences. A young Dutch engineer, Mark met Berlinah Wallace, a South African-born part-time fashion student, in 2010 while living in Bristol, England. Their relationship, which initially seemed promising, deteriorated over time, leading to a tragic series of events.
The Acid Attack
In September 2015, Mark attempted to end his relationship with Berlinah Wallace after meeting someone new. This decision reportedly enraged Wallace, who had been struggling with jealousy and a troubled past. On the night of September 22, 2015, Wallace poured sulfuric acid into a glass, approached a sleeping Mark, and threw the acid on him while declaring, “If I can’t have you, no one else can.”
The attack left Mark with severe burns over 25% of his body, blindness in one eye, partial paralysis, and the need for a leg amputation. Witness accounts and court testimonies revealed that Mark ran out into the street in his boxers, screaming for help, before a neighbor assisted him by showering him to reduce the acid burns. He was rushed to Southmead Hospital, where his injuries left him bedridden and in constant agony.
Aftermath and Euthanasia
Following 15 months of relentless pain and depression, Mark opted for euthanasia, which was legal in Belgium, his home country. His decision was supported by medical professionals who agreed he met the criteria for unbearable suffering. Mark passed away on January 2, 2017.
His death prompted a legal battle over whether Wallace could be charged with murder. The prosecution argued that the suffering caused by the acid attack directly led to Mark’s decision to end his life. However, the court acquitted Wallace of murder but convicted her of “throwing a corrosive substance with intent,” sentencing her to life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years.
Wallace’s Defense and Trial
During the trial, Wallace denied the charges, claiming that Mark had poured the acid into the glass himself. Evidence contradicted this assertion, including her internet searches on acid attacks and their lethality. Wallace’s behavior during and after the attack further solidified her guilt in the eyes of the court.
Broader Implications
Mark’s case highlighted the rising incidence of acid attacks in the UK, sparking calls for stricter controls on the sale of corrosive substances and harsher penalties for perpetrators. His family also advocated for broader awareness and compassion for victims of such attacks.
Conclusion
Mark van Dongen’s story is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and violence. While justice was served in the form of Wallace’s conviction, Mark’s suffering and ultimate death underscore the need for vigilance against abusive behaviors and greater support for victims.
FAQs
1. What motivated Berlinah Wallace’s attack on Mark van Dongen?
Wallace’s jealousy and inability to accept the end of their relationship were primary motivators. She reportedly felt betrayed after Mark began dating someone new.
2. Why was Wallace not convicted of murder?
The court found insufficient evidence to directly link Mark’s euthanasia decision to the acid attack as a clear cause of death under UK law.
3. How did Mark’s case influence UK policies?
It spurred discussions on stricter acid sale regulations and stronger legal deterrents for acid-related crimes.
4. What legal reforms have been proposed since this case?
Activists have advocated for harsher penalties and mandatory reporting for acid sales to reduce the prevalence of such attacks.
5. How can victims of domestic abuse seek help?
Victims are encouraged to contact local support organizations, such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in the UK, and to report abuse to authorities promptly.
