'Teddy bear' jailed for biting off man's ear

Simon Brian Chedgzoy (41) launched himself at an unwitting victim who attempted to break up a heated argument involving a member of Chedgzoy’s family moments after he entered the Alex pub at Parkgate.

Miss Megan Rhys, prosecuting, told Sheffield Crown Court that the man had just arrived at the pub to meet a friend when he attempted to diffuse an argument involving Chedgzoy’s cousin, Jane, by ushering her outside.

But as he did so, Chedgzoy, of Ashwood Road, Parkgate, knocked him to the ground, before delivering a series of punches, gouges and bites.

Jane, Chedgzoy’s cousin, was also knocked unconscious in the incident.

Miss Rhys said: “The defendant threw himself at the complainant, who was repeatedly punched to the head and body. People were trying to drag him free.”

Chedgzoy later admitted that he had bitten his victim’s ear, claiming that it had been ripped off as he was dragged away.

The man lost 40 per cent of his left ear and sustained bruising, bite injuries, cuts to his face and a permanently bent nose in the attack, which happened at around 2.30am on February 2 last year.

In a victim statement read out in court, he said: “Every time I look in the mirror I’m reminded of what happened.”

Chedgzoy pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent on December 7.

Mr Ian West, mitigating, said: “He had a very difficult and abused childhood closely linked to that of his cousin.

“His other cousin—not the one that started this incident—died from alcohol abuse, having not been able to deal with the issues of childhood.

“The only thing he can say to explain his behaviour is that he snapped when he saw his other cousin threatened.

“Something very odd took place in relation to this taking place.”

The court heard on Friday how Chedgzoy had no previous convictions and had glowing references from his work colleagues.

Mr West said: “His references clearly do not refer to a man with a violent disposition. In them, he is referred to as a ‘teddy bear’ and a ‘gentle giant.’”

Mr West said that his client would find any time spent in jail particularly difficult due to his size, which would restrict his access to cell bunks, and a list of medical issues, including diabetes, claustrophobia and panic attacks.

But Recorder Michael Simpson sentenced Chedgzoy to 30 months behind bars.

He said: “There are aspects of a judge’s job that are enjoyable and that is sending bad people to prison. This is not one of those cases.”

Recorder Simpson added: “There had been an incident involving family members and when your victim arrived at the pub you misunderstood what was happening and launched your not inconsiderable frame at him.

“You knocked the complainant to the floor along with your cousin, Jane, who was knocked unconscious.

“Once on the floor you subjected the complainant to gouging and thumping and, worst of all, a bite to his ear which led to him losing around 40 per cent of his ear and a lot of blood.

“It must have been a very traumatic experience for him.”