A 42-YEAR-OLD Dawlish man who threw a liquid into the face of an acquaintance who owed him money in a premeditated attack, has escaped an immediate jail sentence.

Exeter Crown Court heard it was not known if the liquid was acid or corrosive but was believed to be cleaning fluid.

The court heard the victim suffered 20 minutes of pain and the fear he may have been blinded in the attack in Dawlish in January 2024.

The judge said no significant injury was caused although the male victim needed hospital treatment and was fearful he would be blinded.

Wesley Hayes, of Coronation Avenue, Dawlish admitted causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 20 weeks, suspended for 18 months.

The court heard Hayes had been drinking when he drove a short distance to where the victim was, and threw the liquid, which caused paint t peel from a nearby wall, into his face.

The court was told Hayes has physical difficulties but was remorseful and had been struggling financially at the time.