A MAN will need plastic surgery after having part of his ear bitten off in a struggle at his home, a court heard.

Preston Crown Court was told that Mark Queen was injured by his sister's boyfriend. The man responsible was jailed for 12 months when he appeared before the court for sentence.

Barry Mankowski, 26, of Honey Hole, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to a wounding charge.

Mr John O'Shea, prosecuting, said Mr Queen was at home in Hall Street, Blackburn, one afternoon last April when his sister, Shona, arrived. An argument arose, as a result of which he threw her out of the house.

That evening, Mr Queen was at home with several others when the front door burst open and Mankowski entered the front room. He was Shona's boyfriend and irate over what had taken place.

A confrontation took place between him and Mr Queen. During a struggle part of Mr Queen's left ear was bitten off.

The affected piece was sown back on, but the stitching was not a success. The court heard Mr Queen was now awaiting plastic surgery.

Mr David Bruce, defending, said the sister had gone to check on Mr Queen's children since his partner was in hospital at the time.

It was claimed she was attacked and punched in the stomach by her brother.

Mr Bruce said the defendant had been horrified to hear she was assaulted while trying to assist her nieces and nephews.

Judge Andrew Blake, in passing sentence, said there was no other way of dealing with Mankowski, other than prison.

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