A violent drunk who bit part of a man’s ear off during a row at a poker tournament in Ipswich has been jailed for three years.

Following the attack outside the Kirby Street Conservative Club, in Ipswich, Robert Reed didn’t feel any immediate pain, but when he put his hand to his left ear he realised part of it was missing, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The missing bit of his ear was found on the ground and put on ice and Mr Reed later had it grafted back on in hospital, said Simon Gladwell, prosecuting.

Before the court was Nicholas Salisbury, 27, of Canterbury Close, Ipswich who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Reed in January 4.

Jailing him for three years Judge Rupert Overbury said:”Unfortunately when you have too much to drink you do behave aggressively.”

He said that during the event at the Conservative Club Salisbury’s behaviour had been “crude and obnoxious.”

“Your attack on Mr Reed was unprovoked and extremely violent,” he added.

“Every time he looks in the mirror he will be reminded of that evening.”

In addition to jailing Salisbury Judge Overbury banned him from contacting Mr Reed.

Mr Gladwell told the court the defendant and Mr Reed had been at a poker tournament at the Conservative Club and during the event Salisbury, who had been drinking, had started swearing at a friend of Mr Reed’s.

When Mr Reed challenged Salisbury about his behaviour Salisbury had invited him outside for a fight, which Mr Reed had declined.

However later on when Mr Reed went outside for a cigarette Salisbury had punched him in the face causing him to fall to the ground.

When Mr Reed got to his feet Salisbury got him in a semi headlock and shortly before realising part of his ear was missing Mr Reed noticed Salisbury spit something out of his mouth, said Mr Gladwell.

He said in addition to the injury to his ear Mr Reed suffered swelling to his eye and an injury to his shoulder.

Nicola May for Salisbury said her client had been drinking heavily on the day in question.

She said he had no memory of being abusive to anyone or attacking Mr Reed.

“He apologises for the injuries caused to the complainant,” said Miss May.

She said Salisbury had a job and was well thought of by his employer.