A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport.
Gilson Martins (23) of Ashton Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to eight years, two months at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday, having earlier pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a corrosive substance, and witness intimidation.
The court heard how in March 2024, Martins (pictured) made plans to attack his teenage victim. He even produced the substance and demonstrated its effect to another man by pouring it on a piece of paper.
Hours later, an accomplice rang the victim and planned to meet him at an address in the Woodley area, leaving for the location with Martins.
Martins confronted his victim and an altercation broke out. Martins producing a bottle, which he threw over the male. He then fled the scene and emergency services soon arrived, with tests confirming that a corrosive substance had been used.
The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries and was later transferred to a specialist burns unit for intensive treatment. He has since undergone numerous treatments and procedures following the attack.
After a different man spoke to the police about the attack, Martins attended his home days, kicking his back door in and threatening to stab him, throw acid on him, and carve his name into the man.
While the man barricaded himself in his bedroom, Martins continued to make threats, knifing the bedroom door and leaving the blade behind. Police were called, with Martins leaving shortly before their arrival.
Martins was subsequently sought by police, and arrested by armed officers. Upon his arrest, he was discovered to be in possession of acid, being kept in a bottle of hair dye.
Detective constable Heather Parke said: “The effects of attacks involving corrosive substances are well-known, and can result in severe, life-changing injuries or even death.
“Using them in attacks is utterly vile and I am glad Martins is now behind bars for his vicious assault. His victim received injuries from which he is still suffering, and has already received numerous treatments.
“We have zero tolerance for these sort of crimes, and we put considerable resources into ensuring that Martins was arrested, charged, and sentenced. He now has a long time to think about his actions inside a prison cell.”
