A REVELLER sank his teeth into a man's nose after the victim tried to give him a group hug at a New Year's Eve party.

Victim Taran Davies, aged 23, was celebrating his birthday and New Year’s Eve 2013 at The Alma Inn in Bradshawgate when he was attacked.

Lindsay Thomas, prosecuting, said Mr Davies was in the beer garden of the pub and approached Joe Simpkins, a man he had known for about 10 months, and a group of friends with his arms out on either side with the intention of hugging them all shortly after midnight.

Mr Davies said he thinks his left hand touched Simpkins’ face when he was intending to put his arm around him to hug him, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Simpkins, aged 31, of Billinge Close, Bolton, clamped his teeth on Mr Davies’ nose, either side of his nostrils for about five seconds. After Simpkins released his teeth the victim saw skin from his nostril hanging off, the court heard.

He was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital where he was given seven stitches for a “deep, gaping laceration”. He has been left scarred by the incident.

Mr Davies said he was “quite miffed” as every time he looks in the mirror he sees the defendant’s face.

Paul Tonge, defending, said: “Taran Davies for some inexplicable reason took to wanting to hug the defendant.

"The defendant overreacted instantly. He mistakenly assumed some sort of assault was going to take place and bit the complainant on the nose.”

Judge Elliot Knopf, sentencing, said: “Mr Davies is marked for many years to come. Just what was going through your mind when you committed such an appalling offence is difficult to fathom.”

Simpkins, who had no previous convictions, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. He was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

He was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay the victim £500 compensation within six months.