A 32-YEAR-OLD Drybrook man who bit another man’s cheek when he flew into a rage after some workplace banter has been jailed for 12 months.

Guy Haley of Hillside, Drybrook, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage at an earlier hearing.

Julian Kesner, prosecuting, said at the time of the offences, Haley and his victim Martin Smith were both working at plant hire company Bridge Works in Newent.

"On October 19 last year, Mr Smith was asked to look at one of the vans used by the company, but as Mr Smith went off to repair it, he made a quip at Haley’s expense.

"The defendant then lost all reason and picked up an iron bar. He began attacking Mr Smith’s van.

"Haley then started walking towards Mr Smith still holding the iron bar saying he was going to ’give it’ to him."

"They were standing face to face and Haley then bit him on the cheek. Mr Smith didn’t realise what had happened to start with, but when he did, he grabbed Haley by the hair and held onto him until others intervened."

Passing sentence, Judge McGrigor gave Haley a 12 month prison sentence for the actual bodily harm and four months concurrent for the criminal damage.

He also ordered him to pay £500 compensation and a victim surcharge of £100.