An inmate chewed off part of a prison officer’s right ear in a vicious attack.
The missing flesh was never found and it is thought John Bockarie, 38, ate it.
The prisoner, serving eight weeks in HMP Nottingham for harassment, admitted GBH and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act at the city’s crown court.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the prison officer had to be tested for HIV and Hepatitis A and B but got the all-clear.
Bockarie, who suffers from schizophrenia, admitted GBH with intent and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act at the hearing on Tuesday.
Judge William Harbage QC told him: “You completely bit through the lower lobe of his right ear.
“The section of ear was never recovered. It’s thought you may have eaten it.”
The officer needed four months off work and counselling, and faces further reconstructive surgery.
