Boyfriend bit off part of partner's ear in relationship from hell
Scott Cleverley, 33, has now been jailed
Staffordshire Police/Stoke-on-Trent Live
A dad of three bit off part of his partner's ear during their turbulent relationship, a court has heard.
Scott Cleverley, 33, would "control" and "coerce" his victim, leaving her feeling worthless.
The dad from Norton, Stoke on Trent, would also be violent towards her.
Stoke on Trent Crown Court heard how the most serious incident being when he sunk his teeth into her earlobe. The incident left her needing surgery to have it attached back on.
Cleverley appeared at Stoke on Trent Crown Court
PA
Cleverley pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, wounding with intent and assault by beating.
Stoke-on-Trent Live reports he has now been jailed for four years.
Prosecutor Rhia Abukhalil said Cleverley was in a relationship with his victim from 2020 that was initially described as good, however he turned aggressive after some months.
Abukhalil said: "He strangled her. One of the incidents was witnessed by her son. He sent her abusive texts and made her feel worthless."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
He appeared at Stoke on Trent Crown Court
PA
Stoke on Trent Crown court heard that on October 31, 2021 they rowed as she had told his friend not to visit as he was behaving aggressively. Abukhalil said: "When he learnt of that fact he lost his temper and bit her ear and partly severed it so it had to be surgically attached."
In a victim statement the woman said she has been left with a permanent scar on her earlobe and added she suffers with flashbacks.
Mitigating Paul Cliff said: "There were times when that relationship was good. Equally, at other times, there were occasions where his behaviour was appalling. He asks me to apologise on his behalf."
He added Cleverley has a background of substance misuse, particularly cannabis, which he has used for a number of years. He said: "He tells me he is finished with drugs. He has cleaned up his act. There is very genuine remorse and shame."
Judge Graeme Smith said: "There was conduct which amounted to controlling or coercive behaviour.
"There were threats of violence and acts of violence used. The most serious was in October 2021 when you partly bit off her ear.
"It was a serious injury. It would have been painful at the time. She has been left with a scar and the emotional scars by way of flashbacks."
The judge made Cleverley the subject of a restraining order which prohibits him from contacting his ex partner for five years.