Man jailed over 'random' acid attack in street

A man has been jailed for 40 months after admitting throwing a corrosive substance in a "random" street attack.

Liam Best, 21, and a friend were cycling past a man in Castleton Avenue, Hull, on 23 November when Best got off his bike and threw the contents of a bottle in the victim's face.

Hull Crown Court heard the defendant's friend then shouted at the injured man: "You are going to melt now".

Best, of Cropton Road, Hull, pleaded guilty to throwing a corrosive fluid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of Class C drugs at a previous hearing.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance and received treatment for burns to his face, throat and head.

In an impact statement read to the court, he said the attack had left him "angry" and "questioning everyone and everything".

He said scarring to his face had impacted on his social confidence.

Passing sentence, Recorder Brian Whitehead said: "Thankfully the harm caused was minor," and described the fluid as a "highly dangerous weapon".

The judge rejected the defendant's claims he did not know what was in the bottle, adding: "I can see no good reason why anybody would be walking around with a corrosive liquid in a bottle."

The court was told Best has 24 previous convictions for 84 offences, with three involving violence against the person.

In mitigation, defence barrister Billy Torbett said his client had an "immense level of immaturity" and had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

As well as the prison sentence, Best was handed a five-year restraining order.

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