A DRUNKEN thug who bit his victim’s eyebrow in a “savage attack” at a rugby club fundraiser in Arlecdon has lost an appeal bid to get his jail term reduced.
Dale Thompson, 39, of Causeway Road, Seaton, assaulted bouncy castle operator Simon Mattinson at the rugby league club.
Mr Mattinson had spoken to Thompson’s son about his behaviour on the inflatable during the fundraising day in 2013.
Thompson responded by deflating the castle and there was an “exchange of words”, Mr Justice Holroyde told London’s Appeal Court.
Later, as he prepared to leave the ground, Mr Mattinson was attacked.
He went back inside the club and confronted a man he believed was responsible – a friend of Thompson’s.
Thompson knocked him down and as they grappled on the ground, bit Mr Mattinson on his right eyebrow, severing a portion of flesh.
When he was arrested, Thompson said: “I bit him because he hit my mate for nothing.”
His teeth must have come “within millimetres of causing damage to the orbit of the eye”, said the judge.
While on bail, Thompson carried out a “nasty example” of witness intimidation, the court heard.
Thompson was convicted at Carlisle Crown Court of wounding with intent and witness intimidation last year. Later, he pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.
He was jailed for eight years and two months.
Mr Mattinson had to have plastic surgery and was left with permanent scarring.
He had to be tested for HIV, was unable to drive for five weeks, or work for 12 weeks, suffered loss of confidence, stress and difficulty sleeping.
The judge said the jail term was “not excessive, let alone manifestly excessive ”.
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