Powys retreat owner jailed for hurling acid in guest's face
Dean Mayze caused the victim serious facial and eye injuries after the attack at Hafan-y-Coed spiritual retreat
A 38-year-old business owner from Powys has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after a chemical attack on a guest at his spiritual retreat in December 2022.
Dean Mayze, of Abercrave, was arrested in Romania on 19th September 2025 after evading police for more than two years.
The attack happened during an argument at the Hafan-y-Coed spiritual retreat, where Mayze hurled a "very strong alkaline" chemical into the victim's face.
The man suffered serious facial injuries, including damage to his eye, resulting in months of medical treatment.
Mayze fled the UK, prompting an international warrant for his arrest.
Throughout his time on the run, Mayze's partner and the retreat's co-owner, Jemma Webb, confessed to throwing the chemical and perverting the course of justice, resulting in her being sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Mayze initially failed to appear in court in November 2023 but was eventually found in Romania.
He was extradited to the UK, where he was remanded in custody on 20th September 2025.
Mayze appeared in court on 13 January 2026, where he denied the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Instead, he entered a guilty plea to lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm, which was accepted at the hearing.
Today, at Swansea Crown Court, Mayze was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
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.”