An Old Malden man laughed in the dock as he was jailed for 15 years for a ‘barbaric’ acid attack that left a woman scarred and partially blind.

Brothers Billy and Geoffrey Midmore threw acid over the face of Carla Whitlock in an attack in Southampton in September last year after the pair blamed her for a botched drug deal.

Geoffrey, 27, was jailed for nine years at Southampton Crown Court this afternoon.

Judge Peter Ralls QC said the attack was “on a level of medieval barbarism beyond most people's comprehension”.

During a seven-day trial in Southampton in April, jurors heard how the acid attack was a "debt to be paid" organised by the Midmores, both of Sheephouse Way, after Ms Whitlock called asking for £100 of drugs.

When at least two men met Geoffrey and stole £2,000 of drug money the brothers blamed Ms Whitlock and began planning their attack.

CCTV footage was shown of Billy Midmore buying drain cleaner, which his brother had described to him in a text message as "face melter”.

Images were also shown of the brothers high-fiving a friend on a train out of Southampton following the attack.

Prosecutor Kerry Maylin said it is unlikely Ms Whitlock will regain sight in her right eye, and that her face will be permanently disfigured.

Geoffrey pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm at the first opportunity.

Billy, 23, was found guilty after the trial and sentenced to 15 years in prison plus five years on licence.