End of Shropshire student's nose bitten off in attack, court told

Joshua Brown had been enjoying a night out at Harper Adams University's student union in Newport when he was attacked by William Clark, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.

A jury was shown CCTV footage of the incident, which showed the two men in an altercation in the early hours of September 19 last year.

Mr Michael Grey, prosecuting, said: "This case involved an attack by Mr Clark on a young man – Mr Brown – which was unprovoked and caused serious injury to Mr Brown.

"In a nut shell it happened in a crowded bar where Mr Clark bit the end of Mr Brown's nose. He bit off the front part of it causing a serious wound."

Mr Grey said at about midnight Jordan Francis was stood waiting to get a drink at the bar.

He told the jury: "Jordan said Mr Clark was being antagonistic pointing and saying things about her.

"Mr Brown went in-between Jordan and Mr Clark and they ended up face to face."

The court heard that after that Mr Brown was bitten on his nose which caused him to fall to the floor in "great pain".

Mr Brown was then taken to hospital where consultants said the front part and bottom section of his nose were missing.

When interviewed by police Clark admitted biting Mr Brown's nose and said there was some activity prior to the bite which he described as a "nip".

Clark told police he felt he had not bitten hard and didn't mean to cause damage. Speaking at court yesterday, Mr Brown said: "I went over to Jordan who said there was a lad acting stupid.

"I stepped in front of her, and someone kept pushing and pushing my back.

"I turned round to face the person and next thing I know my nose was bitten off."

Mr Brown was then asked if he did anything to Clark prior to the bite.

Mr Brown answered: "No."

Clark, 23, of Catesby Road, Staverton, Northamptonshire, has admitted unlawful wounding, but denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The trial continues.