A man has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years after biting off part of his victim’s nose in a vicious and unprovoked attack.

Carl Coombe, of no fixed address in Chelmsford, was found guilty by a jury of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The court heard that the 37-year-old got into an argument with a 39-year-old man outside a pub in Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers, on Saturday, April 25 2015.

He then grabbed the victim and bit off a part of his nose and three quarters of his septum before walking off and getting into a taxi.

Police arriving at the incident scene stopped the vehicle and arrested him.

Investigating officer Det Con Toby Larner said: "Coombe was intoxicated and was clearly looking for a fight.

"This was a vicious and unprovoked attack that resulted in an innocent man needing reconstructive surgery to his face.

"The attack has had a lasting emotional impact on the victim.

"The severity of this attack is reflected in the length of Coombe’s sentence. I hope this sends a message that Essex Police will not tolerate this sort of crime and we will bring those responsible to justice.”