A man has been sentenced to more than eight years in jail after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy.

Gilson Martins (23) from Rochdale, threw acid on the teenager on 24 March 2024. He and an accomplice had arranged to meet the boy in Woodley, where the attack took place.

Martins fled the scene shortly before emergency services arrived.

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 2024, kicking his back door in and threatening to stab him, throw acid on him, and carve his name into the man.

Martins was sentenced to eight years and two months at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday 15 April 2025 (Image - Nub News)

Martins appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on 15 April 2025, where he 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.

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."