A MAN with a string of convictions for violent behaviour whilst drunk has been jailed for his most recent attack.

Curtis James Coney-Lax, of Haynes Avenue in Bournemouth, has been convicted of multiple battery, theft and assault offences since 2007.

At Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday (May10) he was jailed for his latest offence of grievous bodily harm in which he bit off the top of his victim's ear and "spat it out".

The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, 2015, outside the Walkabout bar in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

Coney-Lax had was approached by Marston Wortley who wanted to ask him why he had headbutted him inside Camel Bar earlier in the night.

The court heard how Coney-Lax "backed away" from Mr Wortley with his arms out indicating that he didn't want to fight. Mr Wortley also stated he didn't want to fight but just wanted an explanation.

However Coney-Lax then "launched an attack" on Mr Wortley without warning - throwing a number of punches which resulted in them grappling on the ground.

The court heard that while on top of Mr Wortley on the ground the defendant bit his nose. Then when the victim had turned his head the defendant completely bit off the top part of his right ear.

Richard Onslow, prosecuting, said the pair were separated by door security staff and that one of them saw Coney-Lax to be "chewing and spitting out an item" believed to be the top of Mr Wortley's ear.

The court heard that Mr Wortley, who is an apprentice engineer, has been "adversely affected" by the loss of the top of his right ear.

As a result he now suffers from depression and will probably need reconstructive surgery which comes with risks, explained Mr Onslow.

John Dyer, defending, said Coney-Lax was "very very sorry" for what he had done and that he had saved up more than £2,000 to pay compensation to Mr Wortley.

Coney-Lax's long list of previous convictions were also read out in court.

The court heard that the majority of Coney-Lax's violent offences were committed whilst he was drunk.

"He's trying to change his ways and has only been out twice in the last six months," added Mr Dyer.

"He is appalled by his violent behaviour and has now begun to realise the impact of his actions on the public."

When handing down his sentence Judge Peter Crabtree OBE said: "You are 29-years-old and already have a criminal record for violence. I count seven battery offences between 2007 and 2015.

"In this instance you have left Mr Wortley with a medium-term if not long-term disfigurement.

"I accept that you may have believed you were at risk but your response was wholly disproportionate."

Coney-Lax was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay £1,000 compensation.