A man accused of biting off part of another man’s ear during what a judge said had been a “vicious” attack was muted because of his belligerent behaviour on a prison video link.

David Burnie, aged 31, of no fixed address, who ranted at the camera at Berwyn prison, Wrexham, and made gestures, was jailed for twelve years at Mold crown court.

He had been convicted by a jury of wounding with intent to Philip McGough at the victim’s home on the Maesgeirchen estate at Bangor in January.

Elfed Jones, aged 25, of Farrar Road, Bangor, was jailed for nine years after he admitted the offence.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said Jones had stabbed and slashed Mr McGough with a knife. He disfigured the victim “in a senseless and sustained attack.”

The victim had been punched, kicked and bitten during his ordeal, the judge said. “It was a cowardly and sustained attack, two against one,” Judge Rowlands remarked. The defendants had been out “spoiling for a fight” that night.

Mr McGough, who knew Burnie, had multiple fractures to his nose and a deep gaping wound to the side of his mouth. He feared he was going to be killed.

Prosecutor Simon Rogers said :”Part of the ear bitten off was recovered and Mr Burnie’s DNA recovered from it.” Burnie had numerous convictions for violence, counsel added.

Brian Treadwell, defending, said Burnie continued to deny any wrongdoing or that he was a “grass” who’d given information about Jones’s involvement.

Elen Owen, barrister for Jones, said he had a drug problem and hoped the victim could forgive him. “This has genuinely been a wake-up call,” she added.