A Henry County jury found a Sandy Springs man guilty Friday of deliberately dousing his ex-girlfriend with industrial-strength drain cleaner.
Andrew Fordham was found guilty of one count of aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated battery against Christy Sims of McDonough. Each count carries up to 20 years in prison. Henry County Superior Court Judge Arch McGarity set sentencing for July 23 at 1:30 p.m. Fordham was immediately taken into custody.
Sims’ mother, Elaine Turner draped her arms around her daughter at McGarity read the verdict. The two men and 10 women were polled - as requested by defense attorney Christopher Chapman.
The verdict was vindication for two years of legal, physical and emotional challenges for Sims, a 44-year-old divorced mother of two left permanently scarred on her face, arms and chest. She has had more than dozen surgeries and mounting medical bills.
“To God be the Glory,” she said at the conclusion of the weeklong trial. “I’m glad this is over but I will not rejoice in another person’s demise. I just needed to right a wrong.” Sims thanked assistant district attorney Sandi Rivers, investigator Kip Gerard and victims advocate Lorraine Bunn.
“They restored my faith in the justice system because I felt like I was battling this alone,” Sims said.
The trial centered around whether or not Fordham intentionally doused Sims with an industrial-strength drain opener called Clean Shot in April 2013. Fordham said it was an accident.
“I’m satisfied justice was done,” assistant district attorney Sandi Rivers said.
