A groom was jailed for nine years after he bit off part of a guest’s ear at his wedding reception.
Newlywed James Langdon left his victim permanently scarred and missing 20-30% of his right ear, reports Wales Online.
The 26-year-old did nothing to help his victim, instead returning to the accommodation he was sharing with his new wife.
Wales Online reported that the court heard around 150 guests were attending the evening reception at a hotel in Vale of Glamorgan, including the victim and his partner.
Judge David Wynn Morgan said the guest was “minding his own business” at the bar when another guest confronted him, sparking the incident.
Staff at the bar turned the music off and drew the groom’s attention to the confrontation, with Langdon then launching himself at the victim.
Reconstructive surgery
Cardiff Crown Court heard that, as the fight broke out, the groom shouted: “It’s my f***ing wedding.”
In his sentencing remarks Judge Wynn Morgan told the defendant: “You launched yourself into the melee, landing on your victim, and you clenched your teeth around his right ear.”
The court heard Langdon bit “so hard” a large part of the ear came away in his teeth, leaving the victim seriously injured.
Prosecutors said the victim was anxiously hunted for his ear on the ground, while the defendant returned to his hotel room.
The court also heard that Langdon’s father told the victim that the family would fund reconstructive surgery, in exchange for his silence and discretion over the matter.
Flashbacks
Judge Wynn Morgan said: “The court is not sure he was in a fit state to make such a decision.”
A few day’s later Langdon’s victim went to the police, but it was too late for officers to gather forensic evidence and the section of ear was not located.
Judge Wynn Morgan said: “He will need to come to terms with his changed appearance.”
Prosecutors said the victim was suffering from nightmares and flashbacks.
The court heard Langdon was under the influence of alcohol at the time and did not know his victim that well.
The self-employed plasterer denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but was found guilty by a jury after trial.
Devastating
Langdon’s lawyer, Kevin Seal, said as mitigation that his client has a young child and his wife is expecting their second child imminently.
Seal said: “Missing his family is going to be the greatest penalty for him. He appreciates the devastating effect upon his victim and wishes he could turn the clock back.”
The judge described his behaviour as “a very grave criminal offence” and noted the victim had to relive a “terrible incident” when giving evidence.
He said: “The court is concerned you failed to utter a single word of remorse for what you did.”
Langdon was jailed for nine years and must serve half of that in custody before he can be released on licence.
