A MAN who bit off the end of a man's finger in a struggle has walked free from court.

Lee Mills, 26, who suffered post traumatic stress after being the victim of an earlier assault in 1995 which could have killed him, sobbed in the dock as a judge told him people normally went to prison for doing what he did.

Judge David Pirie said in Mills' case it had been a "wholly exceptional act". He had never been before a court and the previous attack on him had had a "grave effect."

Mills, of Oswald Street, Accrington, was placed on probation for three years. He earlier admitted unlawfully wounding John Lampitt, last December. He must pay £650 compensation.

Paul Richardson, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court that Mills, his girlfriend, his sister and her boyfriend Mr Lampitt had been to a social event at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors. Mills became aggressive, asked Mr Lampitt if he "wanted a do" and tried to head butt him.

The blow missed, but there was a struggle in which both men ended on the floor and the defendant bit off the end of Mr Lampitt's little finger.

Police arrived and took Mr Lampitt to hospital, along with his finger, which they wrapped in some frozen peas.

It was not possible to restore it and Mr Lampitt was permanently injured.

Sara Dodds, defending, said the case was particularly tragic.

Mills' behaviour on the night after he had had alcohol and medication had resulted in abnormal behaviour.

As a result of the offence, Mills had "lost" his sister, who made a statement to the police for the prosecution. She had been his only immediate family.

After that, Mills had made two attempts on his life because he felt he had nobody.

He had lost his good name, which was very important to him, and that too had had a profound effect.

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