A MAN who bit off another's ear during a night out was jailed for 27 months yesterday.

Martin Lawson was involved in a fight outside Silks nightclub in Redcar in August, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 22-year-old had earlier been thrown out of the club for being drunk but when outside he became involved in an argument with Christopher Hebden.

Lawson, 22, did try to walk away from the other man, who was being aggressive towards him, but they became involved in a fight.

During the brief scuffle, part of Mr Hebden's ear was bitten off.

Police called to the scene then had to search for the missing piece.

Robert Terry, prosecuting, said: "No-one actually saw what happened but it was all captured on video.

"During interview Mr Lawson said he put his hands up, there was a scuffle and during that he remembers spitting something out.

"He said he was a bit frightened and a bit drunk. He thought he was going to get a good kicking."

Johnnie Walker, mitigating, said: " The defendant can be seen walking away. He tried to leave but Mr Hebden approached him, wanting him to go around the corner for an altercation.

"Only once Mr Hebden charged towards him did he retaliate. He is deeply ashamed of what he did and accepts his actions were totally unacceptable."

Lawson, who had been working in the oil business in the Gulf of Mexico, was jailed after pleading guilty to wounding with intent.