Blyth man jailed for savage attack on his ex in which he bit off part of her ear

Ben Chesney lay in wait until until the woman entered her house then charged out of a bedroom and started punching and stamping on her.

Even after she managed to get out of the property and climb a three-foot fence to try and get away, Chesney caught up with her, started to strangle her then bit a piece of flesh from her right ear, leaving cartilage exposed and skin missing.

The outdoor part of the onslaught was caught on CCTV and chilling footage played in court captured the victim screaming "please help me" and shouting "oh my god" as she came under repeated attack.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Chesney was jailed for eight years, with a four year extended licence to protect the public.

Mr Recorder Anthony Dunne told him: "Your current risk of causing serious harm is very high, particularly to any future intimate partners."

The recorder said both the video and the woman's injuries were "distressing" to see.

Prosecutor Kate Barnes told the court Chesney was issued with a restraining order by North Tyneside Magistrates on September 13 to keep him away from the woman.

On September 19 the victim returned to her home and noticed a smell of smoke.

Miss Barnes told the court: "She went towards her bedroom and the defendant charged out of her daughter's room.

"He had gone into the property without her permission and without her knowledge.

"He pushed her into her bedroom, got on top of her, punching and stamping on her head repeatedly.

"He put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming.

"She managed to break away but he dragged her into the living room by her hair and continued to punch and stamp on her as she lay in a ball.

"He repeatedly said 'I will kill you'."

The court heard Chesney picked up a bread knife during the attack and Miss Barnes added: "She pretended to be in and out of consciousness then took the opportunity to run to the back door.

"She flung herself over the three-foot fence around her garden.

"The defendant caught up, grabbed her and got on top of her.

"He began to strangle her and put his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming."

Miss Barnes said the woman bit Chesney's fingers to try and stop the attack but added: "He turned her over and bit a piece of flesh from her right ear.

"He continued to punch and stamp on her head and attempted to drag her back towards the address."

Fortunately two females who saw what was happening contacted the police and the victim was taken to hospital.

She had multiple small cut wounds to her forehead and the back of her scalp.

Miss Barnes added: "On her right ear the top back part was bitten off and the cartilage was exposed, there was no skin."

The court heard the woman was referred to plastic surgery specialists for treatment.

She said in a victim statement: "I am constantly looking over my shoulder, my confidence is completely knocked.

"I have received significant treatment for my injuries however I have been left permanently disfigured to my ear.

"This has affected my every day life. I feel I have to wear my hair down at all times to cover the injury."

Chesney, 32, of Dene View Drive, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and three offences of breach of restraining order in relation to unwanted calls and messages.

The court heard Chesney grew up in New Zealand and since arriving in the UK he has received a seven year sentence for a stabbing of a man and been convictedof common assault in relation to a woman, who was also bitten and punched in the face.

Lorraine Mustard, defending, said Chesney has "some positive qualities" and has shown remorse.