A MAN has appeared in court accused of biting off part of a firefighter's ear.
Lee Atkinson, 23, of Osbourne Terrace, Ferryhill, County Durham, appeared at Sedgefield Magistrates' Court, Newton Aycliffe, yesterday.
He is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, following the incident at Rushyford roundabout, County Durham.
Firefighter Chris Williams, 27, was called out on a 999 call to attend a car fire on Wednesday, January 10.
While putting out the blaze, he was attacked and had a lump of flesh about an inch in size torn from his right ear.
He underwent emergency plastic surgery and is recovering at home.
Magistrates sent Atkinson to Teesside Crown Court, Middlesbrough, where he will appear on Thursday, February 6.
He was released on conditional bail and ordered not to contact prosecution witnesses.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article