A teenager who threw acid in a Romford woman’s face, which disfigured her, has been jailed for eight years and three months today.

Liam Sibbons, 16, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to throwing a corrosive fluid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Tara Quigley.

She suffered burns to her face, body and arms during the attack at her home, in Marshalls Road, on April 30.

She heard a knock at the door, which she answered. Her sister and her children were also in the house, but were upstairs when she answered the door.

When she opened it Sibbons asked for Michelle, but then walked away when he was told no one of that name lived at the address.

About 10 minutes later he knocked at the door again, Ms Quigley opened the door and then realised the boy was holding a white bottle in his hand.

He squeezed the bottle and pushed it towards Ms Quigley. She felt the liquid on her face and immediately felt a burning sensation straight away. She stepped back and shut the door.

She ran into the kitchen and put water on her face and eyes but could feel burning on her body and arms. Her sister called 999 and she was taken to the Royal London Hospital by London Ambulance Service.

Ms Quigley was then transferred to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s special burns unit. She had 10 percent burns on her face, neck and arms and is still receiving treatment for her injuries.

Police said the liquid was believed to be chromic acid, a highly corrosive substance.

Sibbons was arrested on 11 May and subsequently charged.

Officers found he had an acid burn on his torso. The motive for the attack is still unknown.

Detective Constable Paul Swift said: “This was a callous and unprovoked attacked on Tara Quigley who has received injuries that will require ongoing treatment.

“Throughout this investigation the Metropolitan Police have been supported by a brave victim and her family.

“As a result the young man received a sentence that I hope will help the victim move forward and look to the future.

“Being attacked on the doorstep of your own home is a terrifying experience, but never being able to understand the motive must be very difficult to live with.

“Throughout the investigation and court case Ms Quigley has acted with bravery in reliving this experience.”