Man Jailed After Biting Stepdad’s Nose Off on Christmas Day

A 23-year-old man has been jailed for a violent Christmas Day assault in which he bit off his stepfather’s nose and spat it onto the floor during a family altercation.

Joseph Cardwell, of Ambleside Drive, attacked William Darwin—his mother’s fiancé—following a drunken argument at a family gathering in Liverpool in 2023. The incident unfolded after Darwin made a passing comment about Cardwell’s girlfriend attending a gym, which escalated into a physical confrontation.

The court heard that Cardwell, who had been drinking brandy from 10am that day, reacted violently after being restrained in a bear hug by Darwin. Breaking free, he bit into his stepfather’s nose, causing catastrophic injuries that required eight rounds of reconstructive surgery.

The shocking incident left Darwin, who had recently become engaged to Cardwell’s mother, permanently disfigured. Liverpool Crown Court was told the act resembled the behaviour of “a dog with a bone.”

Cardwell claimed he had acted in self-defence, alleging Darwin had pinned him by the throat and nearly rendered him unconscious. However, a jury convicted him of inflicting grievous bodily harm, though he was acquitted of the more serious charge of wounding with intent.

He was sentenced to 21 months in prison and handed a five-year restraining order.

Judge Denis Watson KC told the defendant: “You overreacted to a comment that was neither insulting nor meant to cause upset. Alcohol undoubtedly fuelled your decision to confront Mr Darwin, and what followed was a shocking and disproportionate act of violence.”

“This attack has had lasting consequences, not only on Mr Darwin’s physical health, but also on his mental well-being and confidence,” the judge added.

Detective Inspector Darren Hankin of Merseyside Police said: “This was a vicious and shocking act. I hope Joseph Cardwell uses his time in prison to reflect on the harm he has caused to his family and to himself.”