Thug jailed after bite attack on ‘family friend’
SAVAGE Stephen McCauley bit into a grandad’s ear in an ugly attack in a town centre pub – because he told him to leave an elderly man alone.
McCauley took umbrage at being told by Paul Pirie to stop bothering a pensioner during a disturbance in a North Shields boozer.
The thug started grappling with 55-year-old Mr Pirie, who later went to another bar nearby, where he was attacked by McCauley again.
He was dragged outside and ended up blacking out before coming round to find his tooth had gone through his lip.
Back in the bar, McCauley – who considers Mr Pirie a family friend – then approached him again from behind, put his arm around him and suddenly bit into the top of his left ear, which was ripped and needed 12 stitches to sew it back together.
He was also left with other facial injuries, including two black eyes and a swollen jaw.
Now 32-year-old McCauley, of Stephenson Street, North Shields, has been jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court for wounding with intent.
Mr Pirie said in a statement made shortly after the attack, which was read to the court: “I have a three-year-old grandson and it broke my heart he has had to see his grandad’s face in such a state.
“I had to lie to him so he doesn’t worry. I told him I fell down the stairs.
“I usually pick my grandson up from school but I can’t do that because everyone will stare at me.”
McCauley, who has 23 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and was locked up for four years.
Hammond, 25, of Bathgate Close, Wallsend, who has 45 previous convictions, admitted common assault on the basis he had been trying to prevent a fight between the victim and McCauley but that his actions went too far and that he “immobilised” members of the public in the second pub.
He was jailed for three months but will not have to serve any more time behind bars as he was locked up on remand for four months.
Mark Richardson, for McCauley, said he turned to drink and drugs after his gran died two years ago, suffered mental health problems and ended up losing his partner and his job as an engineer.
Mr Richardson said: “He feels he deserves to be in prison for what he has done.
“This is his first time in custody and he apologises to the victim. He is very sorry.”