Eight years in jail for man who threw acid in the face of a teenager

A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport, leaving him with serious injuries.

Gilson Martins (06/12/2001) of Ashton Street, Rochdale, earlier pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a corrosive substance, and witness intimidation. He was sentenced to eight years and two months. The sentenced also included unrelated drugs offences from 2022.

He received his sentence at Minshull Street Crown Court today (15 April 2025).

The court heard how on 24 March 2024, Martins discussed attacking his teenage victim, before subsequently putting a plan in motion to do so.  Martins 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.

A bottle containing acid found on Martins when he was arrested

Shortly before 10pm, Martins confronted his victim, with an altercation breaking out and 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 later on 4 April, 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 on 10th April. Upon his arrest, he was discovered to be in possession of acid, being kept in a bottle of hair dye.

Detective Constable Heather Parke, from GMP’s Stockport district, 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.”