The prisoner formerly known as Charles Bronson allegedly pinned a prison governor to the ground and threatened to bite off his nose and gouge out his eyes, a jury heard.

The 65-year-old now called Charles Salvador claimed: "For the first time in 44 years in prison I never intended to be violent. I never meant to hurt the governor."

He also alleged: "I can assure you I have never bitten anyone's nose off in my life. Plus, I'm a vegetarian and all."

And he claimed: "In three seconds, I could hit a man 10 times in the face."

Salvador made the claims while cross-examining prison staff at his trial at Leeds Crown Court, where he is representing himself.

The 65-year-old, now at HMP Frankland in County Durham and who has been in HMP Full Sutton, denies attempted grievous bodily harm with intent to the governor at HMP Wakefield.

The prosecution alleges the prison governor suffered swelling to the neck, scratches to the face and whiplash.

Salvador disputes the injuries and is alleged to have borne a grudge against the governor over wedding photos.

The jury has heard claims that Salvador and his bride Paula Williamson would be given 22 photographs taken by prison staff during their nuptials at HMP Wakefield.

Giving evidence, the governor claimed that on the day, staff decided not to give her the photos because one of the guests was believed to be a "paparazzi" who had had their press licence taken off them and another had invaded a top footbal club's grounds wearing a prison outfit with the words "Free Charles Bronson" on it.

Salvador claimed by withholding the photos, the governor had humiliated his wife.

He also claimed the governor had belittled him by giving his height in reports as four inches shorter than he was.

The trial continues.