A SOLDIER now serving in Afghanistan suffered a potential permanent disfigurement of the ear during home leave in the North-East.

Part of Sean Bailey's right ear was bitten off in an attack on leaving a pub after a night out in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on March 14.

Durham Crown Court heard that a van pulled up beside 21-year-old Mr Bailey, who was making his way home with two friends.

David Wilkinson, prosecuting, said although the occupants chatted to Mr Bailey, rear passenger Sean Joseph Wright emerged, shouting threats, saying: "I'll take you out."

Wright swung out with both fists at Mr Bailey, who backed away, before they scuffled on the ground.

Mr Wilkinson said the incident appeared to come to an end, as Wright got back in the van, which was driven from the scene.

But a short time later it was driven back alongside Mr Bailey, who lashed out, kicking the door.

Mr Wilkinson said more vehicles later pulled up around Mr Bailey and several people emerged, so he tried to run away, before turning to face Wright again.

Another fight ensued, with both falling to the ground, during which someone else kicked Mr Bailey in the face.

Mr Wilkinson said it was only after the incident that Mr Bailey realised his ear had been bitten, with between 30 and 40-per cent of the right lobe, including cartilage, missing.

He also suffered four further bite marks to the back.

Although a police officer recovered the severed part of the ear from the scene of the first confrontation, it could not be re-attached at hospital.

Wright admitted biting the ear when arrested, but he also expressed remorse about the injury caused.

The court heard that Mr Bailey, now serving back in Afghanistan, may have further surgery on the ear, he faces potential permanent disfigurement.

Wright, 19, of Middleton Road, Woodland, near Barnard Castle, admitted unlawful wounding and assault causing actual bodily harm.

David Lamb, mitigating, who presented several character references on Wright's behalf, said he was immediately remorseful about the incident, and has since curbed his drinking.

Imposing a 12-month sentence in a young offenders' institution, Recorder Richard Woolfall said he would be "failing in his duty" if he did not impose an immediate custodial sentence, given the outcome of Wright's actions.