A MOURNER attending a wake in Pontypool had a large part of his nose bitten off when fighting broke out, a jury heard yesterday.

James Callaghan, (pictured) 27, of Nicholas Street, Pontypool, is undergoing plastic reconstructive surgery which involves grafting skin from his forehead and transferring it to his nose, prosecutor Martin Kelly told Cardiff crown court.

Mr Callaghan said that he could not remember much about being bitten, but "felt horrific pain."

Roy Allan Taylor, 34, of Caerwent Road, Trevethin, Pontypool, has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Callaghan and not guilty to an alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He and his father Roy Taylor, 55, of Channel View, Penygarn, Pontypool, also plead not guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

Mr Kelly told the jury that at 8.30pm on October 29 police were called to fighting taking place in High Street, Pontypool.

Two officers arrived and found a large group were involved. Mr Callaghan was seen to get up from the ground with a "quite horrific injury." Mr Kelly said: "A very large part of his nose was missing."

Mr Callaghan claimed that Roy Taylor junior had fought with him and that Roy Taylor junior bit part of his nose off and bit around the middle and index finger of his left hand. It is alleged that Taylor senior was present at the scene.

The court heard that police tried to calm everything down but one officer was forced to draw his CS spray out and use it.

Taylor senior was arrested and said that there had been a funeral and everyone had gone to the Colliers public house afterwards.

Proceeding.