Man jailed for acid attack against teenager

A man has been jailed today for throwing acid in the face of a teenager.

Gilson Martins, 23, was jailed today for eight years and two months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for robbery, two counts of possession of a corrosive substance, intimidation and drugs offences.

Joanne Edwards, 45, was sentenced on the same date for encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence. She was ordered to serve an 18-month community order with a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement and 15 rehabilitation days.

Laura Keegan, Senior Crown prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Gilson Martins’ insidious acid attack left the young victim scarred and needing hospital treatment – and today’s sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case, piecing together eyewitness evidence, CCTV footage and cell site evidence, showing where Martins’ mobile phone was at key times.

“The strength of the evidence was such that Martins and Edwards, who assisted him to flee the scene, pleaded guilty.

“We will never allow attacks using corrosive substances on our streets to go unpunished – and today’s sentence should serve as a reminder to would-be criminals that we will pursue them with the full force of the law.”

On 24 March 2024, shortly before 10pm, Martins approached the teenager on the street in Stockport. He demanded the boy’s jacket and threw a corrosive substance in his face.

The teenager left the area to seek help and was later taken to Stepping Hill Hospital, where he was treated for a chemical burn to his face.

Edwards car was used to drive Martins to and from the scene.

The police investigation uncovered a witness who had been present when Martins outlined his plans to throw acid on the teenager.

On the evening of the 4 April 2024, Martins attended the address of the man and made threats to harm him, knowing he was a witness in the case. Police attended but Martins had fled the scene.

On 10 April 2024, Martins was arrested. When he was searched, he was found to be in possession of a bottle containing a corrosive substance.

He was also sentenced for possession with intent to supply cannabis and ketamine and possession of ecstasy in relation to an unrelated case.