Man bit victim's ear off in 'sickening' attack

Steven Paterson is a danger to the public and left his victim with a bleed on the brain, police say

A man who bit another man's ear off in a "sickening and callous" attack has been jailed.

The victim, who is in his 50s, was also left with a collapsed lung and a bleed on the brain after being found unresponsive in Darwen, Lancashire, on 26 October last year, police said.

Steven Paterson, 35, earlier pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to nine years and five months.

'Ferocious violence'

Paterson, of Cavendish Street, Darwen, who was arrested at the scene, was also given an extended licence of five years.

Tony Roberts of Lancashire Police said it was "a horrific, sickening and callous attack" and the victim's injuries were so severe it was initially feared he would die.

"Nothing can justify the ferocious violence used in the attack, which included the victim losing part of his ears," Mr Roberts said.

“I welcome the significant sentence handed down to Paterson which reflects the very real danger he presents to the public.”