Nipple biter gets community service

Thursday 20 October 2016

A man who bit another man's nipple and his thumb after an argument over a game of pool has got to do 40 hours community service.

Duarte Miguel Oliveira Lucas, a 33 year-old painter and decorator, appeared in the Magistrate's Court charged with grave and criminal assault following the fight in Benfica Sports Bar in Cattle Street last month.

The court heard how Lucas had started a game of pool when another man, a Mr Caldeira, had come over arguing it was his turn on the table. 

His Defence Advocate Pierre Landick said there had been a heated discussion before Mr Caldeira grabbed Lucas by the neck. He said Lucas had bit Mr Caldeira out of frustration and annoyance and that he was trying to extricate him from his grip. He said he'd been told Mr Caldeira has a reputation for winding people up.

He said Lucas is a responsible, quiet person and that this incident has put him, his partner and their children under a lot of stress. He said both Lucas and his partner were in tears before his court appearance.

After a discussion with the Probation Officer, the Court heard that Lucas had been out celebrating after the birth of his baby the day before and that he had been out drinking which he doesn't do often.

Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz said that the injuries were significant and that biting is serious particularly when it draws blood. She said she'd taken into account Lucas had never been in trouble before, that he was remorseful and at low risk of re-offending.

She gave him 40 hours community service, saying it marks the seriousness of what happened but acknowledges his good character.