Mum of six blinded after 'face melter' acid 'was hurled in her face in revenge for botched drug deal'

 

Carla Whitlock, 37, is pictured before the alleged attack last September

A mother of six was blinded in one eye when 'face melter' acid was hurled in her face by two brothers in revenge for a botched drug deal, a court heard today.
Carla Whitlock, 37, was allegedly attacked with the high-strength drain cleaner as she walked through Southampton city centre with her boyfriend, Matthew Wedgner.


The liquid - which contained highly-concentrated sulphuric acid - badly scarred her face and burned her eyelids, leaving her screaming in pain.
Fortunately, a passing doctor quickly poured water on the acid, limiting the severity of Miss Whitlock's injuries, Southampton Crown Court heard.
Now, Billy Midmore, 22, is standing trial at the court, accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, which he denies.

Press Association

Miss Whitlock was blinded in one eye when 'face melter' acid was hurled in her face by two brothers, a court heard

His older brother, Geoffrey Midmore, 26, has previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.
Prior to the attack, Geoffrey had sent a photo of the bottle of high-strength drain cleaner to an acquaintance via WhatsApp, writing: "This is one face melter," the court heard.
Kerry Maylin, prosecuting, told the court that the brothers had purchased the £8.94 fluid from Plumbase together for the assault on September 18 last year.

They then hurled it at the victim outside the Turtle Bay restaurant, she said.
"Carla Whitlock was assaulted by having a liquid thrown in her face, that liquid caused serious injuries," she told the court.
"She is scarred, her eyelids were burnt, as were her face and other parts of her body.
"It landed on her face and shoulders, she got some on her hands because her immediate reaction when her face was burning was to put her hands up.

Tim Stewart