…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Patrick Ivory, 22, has been sentenced for inflicting grievous bodily harm on a friend during an argument over a bank card in July 2020.
Hull Crown Court heard that the argument took place after Ivory thought his friend had not returned the card after buying drinks at a pub in Bridlington.
When the friend claimed that he had returned it, Ivory became aggressive, shouting at him and shoving him.
He then bit his nose, causing an injury that required 15 stitches and an overnight stay in hospital.
Ivory, of Selby Road, Leeds, admitted to the crime and was given a 16-month suspended prison sentence, 250 hours’ unpaid work, five days’ rehabilitation, and was ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation.
Benjamin Bell, mitigating for Ivory, acknowledged the severity of the injury and stated that Ivory had accepted responsibility and demonstrated genuine remorse.
He also noted that alcohol was a significant factor in the incident and that Ivory has since significantly reduced his drinking.
Victim’s statement
The victim described the assault as unexpected, leaving him with a scar and psychological trauma.
He also said that he has been unable to work for several weeks to prevent the wound from becoming infected.
Despite explaining that he had returned Ivory’s bank card, the situation escalated quickly and Ivory bit his nose out of the blue, leaving him with no time to react.
“It’s sad to think it has come to this,” he said.
The judge’s ruling
Judge Sophie McKone noted that Ivory’s teeth were used as a weapon, causing both physical and psychological harm to the victim.
She also acknowledged that the incident occurred due to excessive drinking.
Despite Ivory’s lack of previous convictions, Judge McKone emphasized the severity of the crime, calling it a “very significant blip.”
She sentenced Ivory to a suspended prison sentence and ordered him to complete community service and pay compensation to the victim.