Ferne McCann’s ex Arthur Collins found GUILTY of acid attack

Arthur Collins has been found guilty of throwing acid in a nightclub in April after his ex-girlfriend Ferne McCann gave birth to his baby less than two weeks ago.

Arthur, 25, claimed in Wood Green Crown Court that he was out for the night celebrating Ferne's pregnancy as they had just broken the happy news to her family.

But he got into a fight with a group of men in the Mangle E8 club in Dalston, London, on 17 April, and sprayed acid over them and other bystanders.

One victim, Lauren Trent, said that the acid sounded like a "hissing" noise, like a can of Coke opening, and her skin started "coming off in my hands".

She was one of 16 people who suffered serious burns with another six people seriously injured by the attack over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend earlier this year.

WATCH: Pregnant Ferne McCann talks about her pregnancy for the first time since her ex-boyfriend's arrest

Collins, who was co-accused with his 21-year-old friend Andre Phoenix, admitted to throwing the acid but said he took it off someone in the club.

He thought he was taking a date rape drug from them after hearing them planning to spike drinks in the club.

He called them "dickheads" and claims they said: "How about we spike you, you mug?" to him before he tried to take the bottle off them.

A week before, Collins sent an iMessage to his younger sister Chenade Rowe, saying: "Tell mum to mind that little hand was in my car acid."

Collins was found guilty of five counts of GBH with intent and nine counts of ABH against 14 people.

Phoenix was acquitted of four counts of GBH and two of ABH.

The public gallery was filled with Collins' friends and family, who all broke down in tears as the jury's verdict was read out.

He also broke down and turned to look at his mum who has been present during the entire trial.

He added that the reason he fled police back in April and causing a nationwide man-hunt was because he was worried Ferne would be targeted by gang members.

His sentence will be handed down on 19 December.

**Have you been following Arthur Collins' case? Let us know over on **Facebook and Twitter.

READ MORE...

Pregnant Ferne McCann 'visits ex Arthur Collins in jail ahead of acid attack trial'

Ferne McCann reveals wonderfully unique name for new baby daughter

Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo who has welcomed his fourth child

NOW READ: Wayne and Frankie Bridge's CUTEST family photos