Man jailed for biting off ear
A 29-year-old Kalgoorlie-Boulder man has been jailed for 14 months for biting a chunk of another man's ear off, the second time he has committed such an offence.
Garry David Jones, whom the court heard is associated with an outlaw motorcycle gang, was found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm following a trial in the Kalgoorlie Magistrate's Court last month. It was revealed during sentencing yesterday the assault, described as a "vicious" and "animal" attack by Magistrate Tom Hall, was Jones' fifth conviction for a violent offence.
Jones was drinking at a local bar, where the assault occurred, in the early hours of December 15.
The victim, who at the time was employed as a bouncer at the bar, approached Jones due to an argument he was having with another patron.
Jones suddenly punched the other man, who the court heard was trying to diffuse the situation, and the victim intervened.
He grabbed Jones from behind and began moving him towards the exit, telling him it was time to leave the premises.
Another patron approached the pair and punched the victim in the face, allowing Jones to break free from the victim's hold.
Jones began struggling with the victim and at some point during the fray, bit a chunk of his ear off.
The victim was flown to Perth for emergency treatment, but medical staff were unable to reattach the missing piece. The man is now permanently missing about a third of his ear.
Defence counsel Vesna Amidzic conceded from the outset imprisonment was the appropriate sentence, but submitted the term could be suspended based on changes in Jones' life since the offence. Ms Amidzic said Jones had suffered from anxiety and paranoia, especially when heavily affected by alcohol, but was now receiving medical treatment.
"He should be afforded an opportunity for the current treatment regime to continue," she said.
Police prosecutor Carol Petersen referred to Jones' previous assault convictions and said he was continuing to offend in similar ways.
She submitted an immediate jail term "looking towards the higher end of the penalty" was necessary.
"He's just not learning," Senior Constable Petersen said.
Mr Hall told Jones the "calculated and deliberate" assault was too serious for a suspended term.
"I find this to be an extremely serious act of violence," Mr Hall said.
Jones was made eligible for parole and can be released after serving seven months.
