A VIOLENT building worker whose repeated form of attack was biting victims has been jailed for four years.

Justin Hodgetts bit two policemen after they arrested him in Worcester city centre.

He also sank his teeth into a club doorman, causing suspected nerve damage and requiring intravenous antibiotics.

And he beat up a man in another club, fracturing two of his teeth and punching them through his cheek.

Judge John Cavell told 31-year-old Hodgetts he was "a man for whom violence has become a way of life".

A jury convicted Hodgetts earlier this month of assaulting PCs Carl Jones and Craig Prewer and causing them actual bodily harm.

He admitted wounding doorman Mike Smith at Gonzo's nightclub in Lowesmoor - now renamed Evolution - causing Richard Gwynne grievous bodily harm in The Lighthouse, Malvern, and escaping from lawful custody.

Worcester Crown Court heard how Hodgetts, of Astwood Road, flew into a rage at the city's police station after his arrest on August 19 last year.

He was escorted to a cell and bit the policemen on their arms. Both needed hospital treatment.

Mark Wall, prosecuting, said on April 20 last year Hodgetts tried to get into Gonzo's, where he was barred, and was escorted to the door.

Finger

Once outside, he grabbed Mr Smith's arm, pulled it through the door, trapping it, and bit a finger for up to 10 seconds.

Mr Smith told police he was in "absolute agony" before he and a colleague managed to prise Hodgetts off him.

On June 22 this year Hodgetts was in The Lighthouse where he became involved in a row with Mr Gwynne after a drinking session. Mr Gwynne struck the first blow but Hodgetts went "over the top" punching his victim up to 12 times, said Mr Wall.

Mr Gwynne was covered in blood, and blood splattered the club's walls. He suffered injuries to his mouth, teeth, tongue and cheek.

Police took Hodgetts to hospital because he was also injured. He gave doctors verbal abuse and tried to run away, but was chased and caught.

Andrew Tucker, defending, said the violence coincided with the break-up of a long-term relationship and heavy drinking. Although Hodgetts resorted to biting, he only had teeth at the front of his lower jaw.

Mr Tucker said Hodgetts was vulnerable to fits of temper because of his upbringing but desperately wanted to learn how to control himself.