Smoker 'sliced open man’s ear with vape device' in Sheffield pub attack over ex-partner

Anthony Parry attacked the man with three rapid blows to the back of his head outside the Penny Black pub, at around 11pm, on October 23, 2018.

Prosecutor Mehran Nassiri told Sheffield Crown Court how Parry became angry after the man became involved in an argument he was having with his ex-partner.

When the man stepped outside for a smoke, Parry confronted him: "What are you getting involved with me and my ex for?"

The man replied: "I don't want anything to do with it" and went inside, but felt three "punches" to the back of his head, and blood trickling down his neck.

He was treated at the Northern General Hospital for a cut to his head, and his lacerated ear was sutured at the Ear, Nose and Throat department of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

The court heard Parry had 36 convictions for 37 offences, including theft and burglary, and was on a community order at the time for harassment.

Rebecca Tanner, mitigating, said: "He was in possession of a vape. He accepts that having that in his hand, the prosecution will assert he was in possession of a weapon.

"He didn't go equipped to the pub, he had the item in his hand. The defendant does regret his actions."

Ms Tanner said a six-year gap in his offending ended in 2016 after Parry's "acrimonious" break up with his partner. "He has struggled to get back on track after the break-up of that relationship," she added. "He was using illicit substances."

Parry, aged 36, of Montgomery Road, Nether Edge, pleaded guilty to a Section 20 assault, after the crown agreed to withdraw the original charge of wounding with intent to cause GBH.

Judge David Dixon said there was a "clear visible slice" through the complainant's lower ear.

He handed Parry a 30 month prison sentence. He will serve half inside and the rest on licence.

"The anger you showed here, whether in drink or not, is a worrying feature and one you should address," the judge told Parry.