A THUG who bit his partner on the ear and wrist has avoided being sent to jail.

Gregg Inman, who attacked the mother of his young son, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. The 34-year-old was also ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work and pay £800 compensation for the damage he caused and £350 towards the prosecution costs.

The judge, Recorder Gerard McDermott, QC, said he accepted Inman was of previous good character and the case involved “one day of anger”.

Inman, of Wigan Road, Atherton, pleaded guilty to assaulting Justine Hartley causing actual bodily harm and two offences of criminal damage.

Kate Morley, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that Inman had been in a relationship with Ms Hartley for four years and they have a three-year-old son. On October 20 last year they had an argument and he picked up her mobile phone and threw it against the kitchen wall smashing it causing £500 of damage. Ms Hartley left the house in Leigh but returned because he had gone out. Inman came back but began calling her names in front of their son. He threw the remote control at the television set, causing £300 of damage, pinned her down and bit her ear and wrist.

She managed to push him away and he left the premises, said Miss Morley.