A drug dealer who threw acid into the face of a 14-year-old boy at a Maidstone shopping parade has been jailed.

James Packham, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, sprayed the teenager with ammonia while he stood outside a shop in Broadway.

The lad was treated in hospital for minor burns to his eyes and mouth.

Packham fled but was identified by CCTV.

The 20-year-old is now behind bars for the assault and for pushing heroin and crack cocaine in Maidstone.

He and accomplice Ricky Hagger, 31, of no fixed address, both pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply at Maidstone Crown Court.

Hagger also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

Police officers pursued the pair after noticing a known drug addict approach them in a car parked off Tonbridge Road.

Hagger reversed the car at speed and drove over kerbs before abandoning the vehicle in a nearby road.

Packham and Hagger jumped over fences to try to escape the pursuing officers, but were caught and arrested.

Once in custody, Packham admitted he had drugs hidden internally and was taken to hospital where he produced 70 small deals of crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of between £1,400 and £2,100.

Packham also admitted assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was jailed for three years and four months.

Hagger was jailed for four years and two months and disqualified from driving for just over three years .

CI Mick Gardener said: “These men are prolific offenders who have brought misery to vulnerable members of our community through their actions.”