Christine CunninghamA man has been left permanently scarred after he had part of his ear bitten off in a vicious attack at his Norwich home.Christine Cunningham

A man has been left permanently scarred after he had part of his ear bitten off in a vicious attack at his Norwich home.

Julian Custance, 31, attacked James Doyle after he believed he made a remark about his partner and in the struggle bit a large part of the left ear of the victim, who now faces further reconstructive surgery to repair the damage.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting at Norwich Crown Court , yesterday said that Custance, who was unknown to the victim, was seen after the attack to still be holding the piece of ear in his mouth and he told Mr Doyle that if he would knife him if he looked at his girlfriend again.

Mr Ivory said that Mr Doyle faces further plastic surgery to rebuild his left ear.

Custance of Drayton Road, Norwich, admitted unlawful wounding on August 23 last year.

Jailing him for 16 months, Judge Philip Curl told him: 'This was a violent attack on a man in his own home.'

He added: 'It was no way to behave in a civilised society.'

Judge Curl said the victim was permanently scarred and disfigured as a result of the attack.

Jonathan Morgans, for Custance, said he was genuinely remorseful: 'He has shown considerable insight into the effect of his actions.'

He said that Custance was a hardworking man and realised that he faced custody.

'It has affected him significantly and he is realistic as to the outcome. This offence was wholly out of character.'