Louis Carter will serve at least seven and a half years in prison (Image: Kent Police)
A thug who bit off part of a man’s ear in a brutal and unprovoked attack has been jailed for more than seven years.
Louis Carter, 32, of Woolwich Road, Belvedere, launched the savage assault in Strood on February 28, 2022, as his victim walked through an underpass near the town’s railway station.
The man was speaking to his children on his mobile phone when he realised Carter was following him and being verbally abusive.
Even though they were strangers, the situation escalated as Carter hurled threats at him while they continued towards Commercial Road.
Fearing for his safety, the victim punched Carter in self-defence when he was aggressively approached.
:
Carter fell to the floor but quickly got up, leading to a struggle in which he bit off a large section of the man’s ear.
Carter fled the scene, but two passing children recorded the shocking attack on their phones.
Their footage, along with CCTV from the railway station, enabled officers to track him down.
Members of the public found the severed part of the ear and placed it in ice before the victim was taken to hospital.
Police arrested Carter on 18 May, and he was later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He denied the offence but was convicted following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
On Thursday, Carter was osentenced to an extended 12-year term, serving at least seven and a half years in prison.
Once eligible for parole, he will be required to serve a further four and a half years on licence.
Investigating officer, PC Alex Powell, said: “This was an appalling and unprovoked assault on a man who was speaking to his family on the phone, having just left the station. The victim sought to avoid a confrontation but Carter seemed determined to be aggressive and ultimately inflicted a disfiguring injury on his target.
“The assault has had a significant impact on the victim who has been nervous when leaving home and travelling to work. He has shown great fortitude in assisting us during the investigation and I would like to thank him and the other witnesses who have ensured this violent man has been brought to justice.”
Investigating officer PC Alex Powell condemned the attack, saying: “This was an appalling and unprovoked assault on a man who was speaking to his family on the phone, having just left the station.
“The victim sought to avoid a confrontation but Carter seemed determined to be aggressive and ultimately inflicted a disfiguring injury on his target.”
He added that the attack had left the victim fearful of leaving his home and travelling to work.
PC Powell praised the victim and witnesses for their courage in bringing Carter to justice.