A FATHER-OF-THREE had his ear bitten off after chasing a thief who was trying to steal his car, a court heard.

Douglas McLoughlin had to scour the ground to look for the ear after the attack in December last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Mr McLoughlin ran after a man seen pushing his car down the street outside his home.

He scuffled with the man, armed with a scaffolding pole, and picked up a hammer to give chase.

The thief managed to escape, but Stan Anderson, prosecuting, said when Mr McLoughlin returned to his home, in Priestley Avenue, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, he was confronted by the thief's friend, Neil French, 21.

He said Mr French lunged at Mr McLoughlin with a knife, which he managed to deflect.

The court heard that Mr McLoughlin used the knife to stab Mr French in the leg, before his ear was bitten off.

Mr McLoughlin told the court: "I had to go and find it and go to hospital. They cleaned it up, but I was told they could not sew the ear back because it had gone through the cartilage. I went to Shotley Bridge hospital the next day to have it sewn up.

"Hopefully, next month, after plastic surgery, I will be able to look for employment and gain some self-respect."

Mr French, of Clare Street, Benwell, Newcastle, told police that he acted in self-defence.

He denies causing grievous bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The hearing continues.