A TEENAGER who bit off part of a man's ear after attacking his son outside their home is facing years behind bars.

James Fowdy stepped in when his son, Craig, was pounced on by Anthony Taggart, then aged 19, as he made his way home on December 27 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Taggart sank his teeth into the 54-year-old father's ear as he tried to stop the attack.

Paramedics found a piece of ear in Mr Fowdy's garden and it was packed in ice, but the court heard how medics were unable to re-attach it.

Taggart, now 20, of Boston Street, Townend Farm, Sunderland, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing grievous bodily harm.

He told police he was acting in self defence after Mr Fowdy came out of the house armed with a broom.

But, after less than an hour's deliberation, jurors found him guilty of the more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Taggart was remanded in custody and will be sentenced after the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Judge Mr Recorder Smith warned him: "I tell you now the sentence will be a substantial custodial sentence."