AN 80-year-old man has been jailed for 18 years for orchestrating an acid attack in Oldbury on his teenaged ex-girlfriend after she ended their relationship.

Mohammed Rafiq, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, was sentenced yesterday (Friday December 19) after being convicted at the end of a three-week trial for plotting the offence which left Vikki Horsman with horrific injuries.

Ms Horsman was left with serious burns to her face and neck after the caustic liquid was thrown at her when she answered the door of her home in MacDonald Close on April 15. Aged 19 at the time of the attack, she had informed 80-year-old partner Rafiq that she was leaving him due to his controlling behaviour - and a short time after their split she was attacked.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard Rafiq, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, masterminded a plan to injure his ex-lover in revenge for her decision to leave.

He enlisted 25-year-old Steven Holmes and 23-year-old Shannon Heaps to carry out the attack, both of whom were convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to Ms Horsman.

Holmes, of Allan Close, received a 14-year sentence with four years on extended licence; and Heaps, of Queen's Avenue, was jailed for 12 years.

Initially Rafiq was treated as a victim, having also suffered minor burns when splashed with the liquid. But his part in the plot later became clear and he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and perverting the course of justice.

Investigating officer DC Jason Moseley said: “This was a horrifying and complex case which centred around a controlling relationship.

“Rafiq’s young ex-partner was seriously injured and left with devastating, lasting scars, which one can only presume was his intent given the nature of the planned attack.

“He recruited two people to carry out the attack on his behalf and then tried to claim he was also a victim.

“His victim now has to rebuild her life and move on from what was ultimately a controlling, abusive relationship that she paid a high price to leave."

Speaking after the trial - Ms Horsman said: "What happened that day changed my life forever.

“I have had to undergo lots of treatment for the burns and the damage those people caused. I suffered severe scarring to my neck and chest and have recently had to undergo further surgery to help my recovery.

“But it is not just what everyone can see that causes me pain. The trauma and distress that Rafiq and his accomplices have put me under have left mental scars that I fear will never go away.

“I still have sleepless nights and keep leaving my home to stay with friends and relatives as I can’t bear to be on my own. This is what those people have done to me - all because I had the courage to be my own person and escape a controlling man.

“I know I have to be strong and am pleased that justice has been done but no matter how satisfied I am to see Rafiq and the others go to jail, that won’t turn the clock back and take away the scars they have left me with."

Ceri Parkes, aged 25, of Westfield Road, Smethwick, was also convicted of perverting the course of justice and she was jailed for 12 months.