Man bit off housemate's ear in noise row

A man who bit off his housemate's ear in a row over noise has been been given a suspended prison sentence.

Dean Ellis and his victim were living in supported accommodation when an argument erupted in the early hours of 15 April 2023 after Ellis arrived home making a lot of din, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

After 15 minutes of exchanging punches, Ellis bit a large part of the man's ear off, then picked it up and threw it at him, the court heard.

The 36-year-old, who has a history of violence, admitted wounding without intent and was jailed for 23 months suspended for two years.

Ellis, now of Riverdale House in Stakeford, Northumberland, had been out drinking when he returned to the flat at about 04:00 BST, prosecutor Michael Cahill said.

The victim told Ellis to be quiet, sparking a brawl which ended with the ear-biting, the court heard.

In a statement, the victim said he had been permanently disfigured and he did not want his young children to see him as they would be scared of him.

He said he always had a hood up when he went out and feared what potential employers would think when they saw his missing ear.

He also said the attack had left him with low self-confidence and depression.

Judge Sarah Mallett said it was a serious attack which had caused a "significant" impact to the victim.

However, she also said there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in Ellis' case.

He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to his victim.

The court heard he had several previous convictions including for aggravated burglary and wounding in 2008, for which he was jailed for three and a half years.

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