A MAN accused of biting off the tip of another man's nose told a court yesterday he was only trying to get free of the man.

David Baxter told a jury at Teesside Crown Court he bit Michael Richardson's nose and pushed him off. But he said he had not meant to bite the tip of his nose.

Mr Baxter, 21, of Princess Road, Seaham, County Durham, is charged with wounding Mr Richardson with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm. He has denied the charge.

The incident occurred after two parties in Seaham. Mr Richardson was injured following the second party.

Mr Baxter had told the court that Mr Richardson had had a broken bottle and he said he was not the aggressor that night.

Mr Baxter claimed Mr Richardson, 24, had been trying to sell ecstasy at the second party. He also said that Mr Richardson then elbowed him in the side of the head and a fight started between them.

The case continues