Acid trial: Accused was told to 'deliver present' moments before attack

Nursing home carer Vikki Horsman, aged 20, was scarred for life after the attack which happened at a house of her friend in MacDonald Close, Tividale.

Dean McCrackon then lived in the same hostel as one of the accused, Steven Holmes, and another acquaintance Hardip Purewal.

Mr McCrackon told Wolverhampton Crown Court all three caught the number 87 bus to Tividale on April 15 to 'buy some cannabis'.

He said they met co-defendant Shannon Heaps who took them into a house.

Mr McCrackon told the court Heaps said a man he referred to as 'Raf' was coming to drop the cannabis off. When he arrived around 30 minutes later they all jumped inside his Audi for a short journey.

The court heard Mohammed Rafiq, who is also on trial, gave Holmes the cannabis and also a green bag.

He added: "Rafiq wanted him to go and deliver a present to the door step."

Mr McCrackon said Heaps told himself and Mr Purewal to wait at a road junction while he and Holmes walked on around the corner. He added Holmes then pulled on a grey hoodied top and a black hat.

Asked what happened after Heaps returned alone, Mr McCrackon said: "I heard an almighty scream that still goes through me to this day."

He said Holmes came around the corner swearing telling them to run.

He added Holmes told him: "I had to give her a present and gave her a slap as well."

Rafiq's QC, Mr Anthony Berry, accused Mr McCrackon of changing his story during a second interview with police.

But Mr McCrackon replied 'I was scared for my life' and said police 'reassured' him he would be protected if he told the truth.

Rafiq, 80, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, Holmes, 25, of Allan Close, Smethwick, and Heaps, 22, of Queens Avenue, Tividale, all deny one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. Rafiq denies a further charge of perverting the course of justice. The trial continues.