After enduring more than a year of surgeries and intensive medical care, Mark van Dongen faced a reality that few could fully understand.

The injuries he suffered from the attack were severe and permanent. He lost sight in one eye and most of the vision in the other, while also dealing with lasting damage to his face and upper body. Despite ongoing treatment, his condition continued to affect every part of his daily life.

In 2017, after spending over a year in the hospital, Mark made the decision to travel to Belgium, where euthanasia is legally allowed under strict conditions. His case was reviewed, and he was granted permission under the country’s laws.

In January 2018, at the age of 29, he died.

Meanwhile, the legal case against Berlinah Wallace continued in the UK. She was charged with throwing a corrosive substance with intent. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence outlining the events of that night and the extent of the injuries caused.

The jury ultimately found her guilty of the attack, though she was cleared of murder. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The case drew widespread attention across the UK and beyond, raising awareness about the serious consequences of acid attacks and the long-term impact on victims.

It remains one of the most widely discussed cases of its kind, not only because of the initial act, but because of the difficult path that followed.