A MAN who bit off a friend's ear leaving him permanently disfigured has been jailed for 18 months at Worcester Crown Court.

David Matts argued with his girfriend, then returned to her flat and trashed it, said prosecutor Adam Western.

When her friends heard about it they left a pub and tried to calm Matts down. But a struggle broke out during which he bit off Daniel Lenihan's right ear.

Matts, aged 21, of Prior Street, Hereford, admitted wounding.

Judge David McEvoy said: "It's a terrible case. The victim will be disfigured for the rest of his life and will need a false ear or require more surgery to rebuild it."

The offence happened on Monday, September 9, last year, after Matts had a row with his girlfriend in a pub, then left, smashed in her flat door and caused damage.

Photographs

Dele Alakija, defending, said during the fight Matts was bitten on the chest before he sunk his teeth into the victim.

He claimed Mr Lenihan caused the bite injuries - which could be seen in police photographs - but refused to have his dental impressions taken to avoid a match.

Mr Alakija said although there was no excuse for Matts' attack, he was trying to get the victim and another man off him at the time.

Matts had gone through a traumatic background that had turned him into "an angry young man".

He had previous convictions for threatening behaviour and possession of a weapon.

But he now had a 12-day old child by his girlfriend and was anxious to help bring up the baby.

Judge McEvoy confirmed that he sentenced Matts on the basis that he was also bitten by his victim.