A man who spent more than two years on the run following a chemical attack in Powys has been jailed.

Dean Mayze, 38, of Abercrave, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court today after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. The attack, which took place in December 2022, left the victim with serious facial injuries, including the loss of part of an eye lens.

The court heard that the incident occurred at Mayze’s Hafan-y-Coed spiritual retreat after an argument broke out with a guest. During the confrontation, Mayze pulled a chemical described as a “very strong alkaline” from his trousers and sprayed it into the victim’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Despite efforts to wash it away, the victim required months of hospital treatment.

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK and spent more than two years evading police across mainland Europe. He was eventually arrested in Romania in September 2025 and returned to the UK to face justice.

Detective Inspector Christine Beaton said: “Today’s sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy and complex investigation bring Dean Mayze before the courts, to face the consequences of his vile actions in 2022.

“I want to thank the investigation team who worked tirelessly to bring Mayze back to the UK, and to the public for sharing and responding to our appeal to find this dangerous offender.

“We will not tolerate violence in any measure here in Dyfed-Powys, and this result shows that we will not relent in our pursuit of such offenders.”