Jail for ear biting attack

17 September 2010, 17:38 | Updated: 17 September 2010, 17:45

The attacker, 21 year old Declan Zimmer, walked off and spat out the part of the ear but surgeons were unable to reattach it.

Pc Kirk Seymour may later have reconstructive surgery using one of his ribs, said Judge John Bevan QC.

But the officer said in an impact statement: "This life changing injury has left me disfigured for life. I cannot sleep and I no longer go out and socialise much or go to the gym.

"I have gone from a confidant young man to a man with problems with anxiety. I have postponed my wedding until I feel confidant to have photographs taken."

Zimmer, who had been on a drinking binge for up to 14 hours, told police when he had sobered up; "I am disgusted with myself. It sickens me, " said prosecutor Claudette Elliott.

Zimmer from Rush Court, Bedford was jailed for five years at Luton Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Miss Elliott said Mr. Seymour and a friend were walking home on May 22 this year after a night out in the town. They were near Midland Road and eating pizza when they saw a group of six to eight people.

"The defendant suddenly appeared in front of him and knocked the pizza out of his hand and without warning punched him directly in the mouth.

"He fell to the ground and was punched repeatedly. Zimmer was on top of him and he felt severe pain to his left ear and then the defendant walked off.

"He was bleeding heavily, and surgeons found that 40% of his ear was missing."

Zimmer was arrested on June 4 and almost immediately made a full confession. "He said he had drunk a large amount and had an argument with a girl in the group and was upset and took his anger out on the first person he saw."

Anna Hamilton-Shield, defending said: "He had been drinking for ten to fourteen hours, starting with strong lager and going on to whisky.

"He cannot believe what he did and literally burst in to tears when discussing it. He is disgusted by it.

"But he is motivated to make changes in his life and has taken enormous steps forward while in custody."

Judge Bevan told Zimmer: "This was an unprovoked attack which has led to permanent disfigurement and lasting psychological harm. It is a very bad offence."