Prison officer has earlobe bitten off in dressing gown row

Nathan Deacon, 36, was challenged by a prison officer for wearing a dressing gown in the catering area of the prison

A prisoner who bit off a prison officer's earlobe in a row over a dressing gown has been jailed for an extra 36 months.

Nathan Deacon 36, and inmate at HMP Whitemoor near March, Cambridgeshire, bit the officer after he was challenged and restrained.

Det Con Emma Purser said the victim was left "permanently disfigured".

Deacon appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday and was sentenced to an extra three years in prison consecutive to the sentence he is currently serving.

On 14 September 2020 at about 18:30 GMT, Deacon was stopped by an officer at the gate when he went to collect his evening meal.

Deacon was challenged by the officer for wearing a dressing gown, which was not allowed in the catering area.

He was restrained by the officer after becoming argumentative and attempted to push the victim.

The officer was taken to hospital where they could not re-attach his ear lobe.

'Permanently disfigured'

Deacon appeared at Cambridge Crown Court where he admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

Det Con Emma Purser said: "This was a vicious attack that has left the victim permanently disfigured.

"The prison officer was simply doing his job by trying to enforce the rules of the prison. To attack him in this way is completely unacceptable."