'Flamethrower' used to attack love rival

EYEBROWS BURNED OFF BY GIRLFRIEND'S EX-PARTNER

- By WESLEY HOLMES ECHO Correspondent

A MAN burned the face of his ex-girlfriend's new partner with a flaming aerosol can.

Ian Malam, 63, blasted the other man with flames after setting the canister alight, then gouged him in the eye.

Liverpool Crown Court heard the attack occurred at about 4am on June 1 this year.

Victim Chris O'Toole and Joanne Higgins (Malam's former partner) were walking near the junction of Ball's Road and Euston Grove in Prenton.

Malam drove past them in a black Volkswagen, then turned around and doubled back.

Drawing nearer, he threw a can of cider at the passing couple, and Mr O'Toole shouted at Malam to leave them alone.

Prosecutor Trevor Parry-Jones said: "The defendant (Malam) then stopped the car, got out, and approached Chris O'Toole. He was carrying a spray can.

"He ignited it, raised it up and delivered a burst of flame which hit Chris O'Toole in the face.