by Keith Hunt

A jealous thug who attacked a man with a chisel, severing part of his ear, has been jailed for five years.

Ryan Goddard was left with a chunk of his left ear lobe missing in the vicious assault by Robert McGuiness.

Maidstone Crown Court heard McGuiness was "jealous and difficult" because of a friendship between his girlfriend and Mr Goddard.

Noel Casey, prosecuting, said trouble started outside McGuiness's home at Melville Court, Brompton, on May 21 last year.

He and his girlfriend were arguing and Mr Goddard intervened. McGuinesss told him: "What, do you want some and all?"

He added: "I have got something for you."

The 40-year-old father then went into his home and returned with the weapon. He swung it at Mr Goddard, striking his ear.

"It caused a gash to his ear lobe," said Mr Casey. "It was made worse because a small gold earring was embedded in the tear.

"Mr Goddard managed to disarm him. He said to McGuiness: 'You have stabbed me.' He said: 'No, I have bitten you.'"

Mr Casey said McGuiness had bitten Mr Goddard's hand in the scuffle.

The victim was taken to Medway Hospital and later had further treatment at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

Judge Jeremy Carey told McGuiness, who admitted wounding with intent, it was both his and Mr Goddard's good fortune that the injury was not more serious.

There was forethought in going to his flat and fetching the chisel.

"It was enough time to reflect on whether you were going to do it or not," said the judge.

"That makes the situation more serious."

He added McGuiness was a risk to the public when drinking heavily.