A violent attacker who bit off part of a father’s ear in an unprovoked assault has been jailed.

The victim was leaving Strood Railway Station via an underpass to Station Road when the attack happened.

He was talking to his children on the phone when he became aware of Louis Carter, who was walking behind him and being verbally abusive.

The victim did not know Carter and the abuse escalated into threats as they continued towards Commercial Road.

Carter aggressively approached the man who, fearing an assault, punched him out of self-defence.

Carter fell to the floor but got up and a struggle ensued during which he bit the victim’s ear and tore off a large piece.

He fled the scene but not before two children had filmed the incident.

The footage from the incident, which happened on February 28, 2022, along with CCTV from the railway station, allowed officers to identify Carter as the assailant.

Members of the public had recovered a piece of his ear in some ice and the victim was sent to hospital.

Carter, of Woolwich Road, Belvedere, London was arrested on May 18 and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 32-year-old pleaded not guilty and was convicted following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Last Thursday (February 6), he was given an extended 12-year sentence of which seven and a half years will be in prison.

When he becomes eligible for parole, Carter will have 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.”