By Christian Smith 

Arthur Collins, the former boyfriend of reality TV star Ferne McCann, has been found guilty of carrying out an acid attack in a packed London club which left 22 people injured on 17 April.

Mr Collins, who has a previous conviction for Grievous Bodily Harm, GBH admitted to throwing the liquid, but he claimed he did not know it was acid.

A jury found the 25-year-old guilty of five counts of GBH with intent, and nine counts of ABH against 14 people.

Judge Noel Lucas QC warned Mr Collins, the father of The Only Way is Essex star’s newborn child, he faces a “very substantial and immediate” prison sentenced, when he returns to Wood Green Crown Court for sentencing on 19 December.

Andre Phoenix, 21, a mixed martial arts fighter who was accused of helping Mr Collins was found not guilty.

Lily Saw, a Senior Crown Prosecutor from the CPS London said: “Our prosecution proved this acid attack was no accident. Arthur Collins went to a nightclub with a container which he knew contained strong acid, and was willing to use it.

“Acid can be as much of a weapon as a knife with equally damaging consequences, and many of the victims of this attack suffered very serious injuries.

“There is understandable concern about this issue, and these convictions show that those who choose to use acid as a weapon can expect to face very serious criminal charges.”