Matthew Huggins, 31, was given a 12-month suspended jail sentence after he set upon Glen Edwards outside the Sussex Arms pub last year.

The bite went through to the bone and doctors were unable to stitch back the finger tip.
The victim later declined to co-operate with the police and wanted the case dropped.

Huggins, who has previous convictions for violence, admitted malicious wounding and was ordered to attend a 12-week residential drug rehabilitation centre in Bournemouth.

But after seven weeks he was asked to leave because of his poor attitude and behaviour.

Huggins, of Hughenden Road, Hastings, appeared at Lewes Crown Court this week (Tues] to be re-sentenced for the attack.

The court heard Huggins, who has a history of drink and drug abuse, was causing trouble at the Sussex Arms pub on the night of September 29 last year.

His victim left the pub in order to avoid Huggins, who was shouting aggressively at other customers.

But outside Mr Edwards was approached by Huggins, who punched him to the ground. Huggins then attacked him and in the struggle the tip of Mr Edwards' finger was bitten off.

The court heard Huggins claimed he is currently no longer taking drugs or drinking alcohol.

Alissa Scott-Beckett, defending, said Huggins denied a claim that he told staff at the centre he only agreed to go there to avoid a prison sentence.

She said: "He is intent on seeking proper help for his addictions."

Judge Charles Kemp adjourned sentence for an assessment for a drug rehabilitation programme to be completed in the community.

He said: "There are signs you are still prepared to address this drug problem."

But he added: "That suspended jail sentence still hangs over your head."

Huggins will appear at the court again on September 2 for sentence.