A FATHER-OF-THREE had his ear bitten off after chasing a thief who was stealing his car, a court heard.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Douglas McLoughlin ran after a man spotted pushing his car along the street outside his home.

He scuffled with the man, who managed to flee, but prosecutor Stan Anderson told how Mr McLoughlin returned to his home in Priestley Avenue, South Shields, Tyneside to be confronted by the man's friend, Neil French, 21.

Mr Anderson said Mr French lunged towards Mr McLoughlin with a knife, which he managed to deflect.

The court heard how Mr McLoughlin used the knife to stab Mr French in the leg before his ear was bitten off.

Mr McLoughlin said: "I had to go and find it and go to hospital. They cleaned it up, but I was told they couldn't sew the ear back because it had gone through the cartilage. I went to Shotley Bridge hospital the next day to have it sewn up.

"Hopefully next month, after plastic surgery, I will be able to look for employment and gain some self-respect again."

Mr French, of Clare Street, Benwell, Newcastle, was arrested, but told police he had been acting in self-defence.

He denies causing grievous bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The trial continues.