A YOUTH who bit off part of a man's ear in a drunken fight told a friend he wanted to use it as a pendant.

When arrested, the 17-year-old, who was 16 at the time of the attack, told one police officer he would bite his nose off and told a custody sergeant: "I will bite your face off if I see you off duty."

The youth, from Harrogate, admitted causing grievous bodily harm to his 28-year-old victim, who was attacked after a night out in the town. The youth, who has a history of violence, was given a six-month detention and training order.

Simon Hickey, prosecuting, told York Crown Court the victim had drunk about ten pints on a night out with mainly female friends.

The court heard the youth started to argue with the complainant and a tussle developed before he pressed his thumbs into the youth's eyes.

The youth then bit into his ear, moving his head from side to side, and completely took off the top half.

The complainant walked home before going to Harrogate District Hospital for treatment.

The youth held out his hand and showed the others the half-ear before throwing it away.

He later told a friend: "I'm going to find that ear and put it on a pendant", and went to look for it.

Mitigating, John Sleightholme told the court the complainant was older and bigger than the youth.

His client had not intended to bite the ear off, but had been defending himself.