A man accused of helping the ex-boyfriend of reality TV star Ferne McCann carry out an acid attack in a packed nightclub has been cleared of all charges against him.
Andre Phoenix was on trial at Wood Green Crown Court alongside Arthur Collins, the father of The Only Way Is Essex star’s newborn child, for allegedly hurling the substance over a crowd at Mangle E8 in Dalston, east London.
Phoenix, of Clyde Road, Tottenham, north London, was caught on CCTV apparently holding Collins’ arms as he sprayed the liquid at revellers on April 17.
In his evidence, he told the jury that he had only stepped in to separate Collins and another male when they started squaring up to one another.
Arthur Collins (Metropolitan Police/PA)
Phoenix said he would just “knock them out” if someone angered him, adding: “I don’t roll with acid.”
He was also burned by the substance and was captured on CCTV asking Collins to examine his face and washing himself with a bottle of water.
Phoenix attended the Whittington Hospital in Archway, north London, the following day for treatment.
He wept in the dock as the jury’s verdict was read out and turned to look at his mother, who was present throughout the trial.
Jurors are still considering the charges against Collins, 25, of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.
He faces five counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, and nine counts of actual bodily harm against 14 people.
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