Sunderland man repaid friend's kindness by biting him on the face and leg

Homeless Terry Cartman, 27, attacked Malcolm Thompson, who had kindly allowed him to stay in his flat for the part two years.

And when police were called, he attacked an officer by punching him in the face, Sunderland magistrates heard.

Prosecutor James Long said Cartman and the injured party in this case had “a mutual interest and involvement in alcohol”.

“Malcolm Thompson has been a tenant of his property for about 22 years,” he said. “For the last two years he had allowed the defendant to stay at his flat, because, at the time, the defendant was homeless.

“It was only a one-bed flat and the defendant was allowed to stay on the couch.

“Mr Thompson said that when alcohol has been taken, the defendant can become abusive and aggressive.”

Mr Long said the first attack took place on April 1, when the pair returned to the flat after drinking into the early hours.

“The victim was sitting on a chair in the living room when the defendant started hitting Mr Thompson over the head with an open hand,” he said.

“The victim tells the defendant to calm down and lay on the sofa, but he took hold of the victim’s right leg and twisted his foot, causing him pain.

“He again told the defendant to lay down, but he continued to behave aggressively and he suddenly bit Mr Thompson on the side of his right calf.

“The defendant then lay down on the couch and went to sleep.”

Mr Thompson’s skin was pierced and he had a sore on his calf, the court heard.

Mr Long said that nine days later, Cartman and Mr Thompson returned to the flat after being at a house party.

The court heard Cartman started punching the couch, before picking up a cushion and part of the carpet and throwing them around the room.

“The defendant then grabbed the victim by the throat and bit him on his right cheek,” Mr Long added. “He broke the skin and caused bruising.”

Police arrived to find the flat in a state of disarray and Mr Thompson with a facial injury.

The court heard he did not tell the officers he had been assaulted, but that he wanted Cartman to leave.

One officer said: “He used both hands and struck me in the chest area and clenched his fists. He then punched the left side of my face and took hold of both my arms.”

A female officer had to use CS spray to get Cartman under control, Mr Long said.

The officer suffered bruising and swelling to his left eye and cheek.

Cartman, who gave a care of address as Ennerdale Crescent, Penshaw, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one of assaulting a police officer.

Philippa Wylie, defending, said: “He’s devastated. He has lost a good friend, who was not only putting him up, but helping him out, and has assaulted a police officer. He has no issues with the police and is very, very remorseful.

“He was very intoxicated and has reacted when the police officer arrived. He has no recollection of the incident and says he’s sorry.

“Thankfully, Mr Thompson did not require any medical treatment, although he has had some bitemarks.”

Cartman was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with nine months’ alcohol treatment requirement and up to 30 days of specified activity.

He was also told not to enter Swaledale Crescent for a year and was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to Mr Thompson and £50 to the police officer.