In a shocking incident outside a pub, Nathan Hammersley, 23, bit off part of a man’s ear during a brawl, leaving him permanently disfigured as surgeons were unable to reattach the severed piece. The violent clash occurred after Nathan, his father Mark Hammersley, and their friend Nathan Williams had been drinking at The Village Tavern on Leek Road in Stoke-on-Trent.
A heated argument with a couple inside the establishment escalated when they followed them outside and dragged the man from his car to assault him, according to StokeonTrentLive. During the altercation, Nathan Hammersley not only bit the victim but also damaged his car, while Williams got involved upon seeing Mark Hammersley, 44, struggling in the fight.
Despite medical intervention, the victim’s ear could not be saved, causing him significant distress, reports Birmingham Live. Nathan Hammersley has since been sentenced to 40 months behind bars at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for the gruesome attack. Meanwhile, his father received a nine-month prison term, suspended for 18 months, and Williams, 23, was given a 12-month community order.
Prosecutor Alison Whalley recounted how the victim, after consuming eight pints, had attempted to leave The Village Tavern with his partner in July 2023. Miss Whalley detailed: “He went to his partner and asked her to leave. Nathan Hammersley said she did not want to leave and she wanted another drink. Mark Hammersley asked if they wanted a drink. This led to a heated exchange. Mark told the man not to talk to his son like that.”
An altercation at a pub escalated into violence that left a man hospitalised and drastically altered his life, resulting in the engagement of the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s services. “There was an argument between the man and the Hammersleys and the man and his partner left the pub. Mark emptied a pint glass and walked out of the pub with it. Nathan Hammersley and Nathan Williams followed.
“He saw Mark and Nathan Hammersley pulling the man out of the Audi car worth £3,500. It was significantly damaged during the course of the incident. There was damage to the roof, front windscreen, a dent to the passenger door, caused by Nathan Hammersley. He jumped on the bonnet and shouted to the woman to get out of the car calling her a bitch.
“He grabbed the key from the ignition, which was later found on the road. Mark and Nathan Hammersley pulled the man from the car. The man walked towards them and a fight broke out. Nathan Williams accepts he punched the man several times and kicked him, in excess of self-defence. Nathan Hammersley was heard to laugh that his victim’s ear was missing.”
The assaulted individual had to receive urgent medical attention at the Royal Stoke University Hospital after one of his ears was horrifically bitten off; he also suffered additional physical injuries such as a swollen nose and dislodged tooth. In a statement, the severely injured man disclosed that due to being self-employed, he was compelled to return to work after a six-week absence but had since been psychologically affected, grappling with self-esteem issues spurred by people’s stares, manifesting in a changed personal outlook and intermittent self-loathing.
Nathan Hammersley, residing at Glenroyd Avenue in Eaton Park, admitted guilt to charges of wounding with the intention of causing grave bodily harm and to causing criminal destruction. Mark Hammersley, from Wellfield Road in Bentilee, admitted to the charge of unlawful wounding. Nathan Williams of Kettering Drive, Eaton Park, acknowledged his guilt regarding an assault that caused actual bodily harm.
Bob Sastry, Mark Hammersley’s defence counsel, pointed out that, since the incident two years ago, his client has conducted himself flawlessly. He noted that Hammersley made a regrettable decision under the influence of alcohol which clouded his judgement. Sastry explained: “He acted out of character. He is a hard-working man. He is a carer for his wife. If he were to be sent to immediate custody there would be a significant adverse impact on his wife.” Anis Ali, speaking on Nathan Hammersley’s behalf, observed: “He displayed a considerable degree of immaturity. It was not premeditated.”
Ali added: “He has displayed a real degree of empathy and genuine remorse. There are signs of maturing and a realisation of his wrongdoing. The passage of time should provide some reassurance that he has learned his lesson. He is concerned for his young child and his partner because he is the sole breadwinner. She does not work and his child and partner are dependent on him.”
Ali continued: “They are going to lose their home. He is ashamed, embarrassed, and regrets his behaviour. He conveys [a] genuine apology to his victim.” Scott Ashdown, representing Williams, stated that his client was initially reticent. Williams, a father of two, maintains full-time employment. Ashdown concluded: “The man, by that time wearing no top, grabbed Mark Hammersley and threw him to the floor in a violent fashion.
“Williams saw the man kick Mark while he was prone on the floor. He joined in. He accepts several punches were thrown, followed by a kick. It was impulsive. It was a gratuitous use of force. He accepts that.” Judge Graeme Smith stated: “The victim suffered a very serious injury – the biting off by Nathan Hammersley of a significant part of one of his ears. That was not capable of reattachment and therefore he has a permanent disfigurement. It has had a significant impact on his life.” Mark Hammersley is also required to complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work. Williams must fulfil a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours of unpaid work.