Warwick man accused of throwing acid in the face of a life-long friend.

Dwayne Troy Duane Symonds, of Random Lane, was charged with grievous bodily harm using a corrosive substance with intent to burn, maim or disfigure Henry William Santucci, 35, of Cedar Avenue, Pembroke.

Santucci claimed that on the night of April 22, 1995, he went to Symond's trailer home to retrieve some possessions left there. He said for no reason and without warning Symonds threw sulphuric acid in his face.

Santucci, who said he had known Symonds all his life, received third-degree burns to 90 percent of his face, and also burns to his chest and arms.

Symonds claims he acted in self-defence because Santucci had on other occasions punched him and once held a knife to his throat.

He said on April 22 Santucci was there to collect a $100 debt they both owed to a drug dealer.

"He was ranting and raving and I thought he might try something,'' Symonds said. "I threw the acid to protect myself.'' Earlier in the case Crown Counsel Mr. Melvin Douglas suggested that Symonds could have closed his door rather than throw acid on Santucci.

But in summing up yesterday, Symonds' lawyer Mr. Mark Pettingill said: "When it comes to self-defence, you don't have to retreat.'' Both Mr. Pettingill and Mr. Douglas were expected to complete their summations today and Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Meerabux will then direct the jury.