Thugs bit man's ear off on train after he asked them to 'shut up'

06 December 2023 , 21:16

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Marley Hollinhs, Kyle Smith and Thomas Scott have all been sentenced (Image: British Transport Police)

Three men have been sentenced for their roles in an attack which led to part of man's ear being bitten off on a busy train.

Marley Hollings, 28, from Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, 27-year-old Kyle Smith from Rowling Hollins Colne and Thomas Scott, 31, from Meadow Lea, Keighley, appeared in court with charges in relation to the incident on a train from Leeds to Skipton on December 21 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the 29-year-old victim was also travelling via train when he shouted to the three to shut up after they caused a commotion and upset other passengers with Hollings at one point shouting 'bomb' while throwing a vape down the carriage, Yorkshire Live reports.

Marley Hollins (British Transport Police)

Thomas Scott (British Transport Police)

All three men went on to attack the victim, allegedly punching and kicking him to the head. Despite other passengers trying to intervene and take them off the man, Hollings bit off half of his ear and spat it out, before all three disembarked at Leeds.

The man had surgery, but it was not possible to reattach his ear. The court heard that Smith was arrested just after the attack, because he attempted to depart the station.

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Kyle Smith (British Transport Police)

The next day, Hollings was arrested, and Scott handed himself in to police. Hollings was jailed for three years and nine months, while Scott was sentenced to 18 months in jail, which was suspended for 18 months and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.

Smith received a 15 month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. Both Smith and Scott must pay a victim surcharge of £187 and were made the subjects of a electronic tag curfew from 9pm to 6am.

Investigating officer DC Liam Brown said: "This was a sickening and vicious assault and one which has left the victim not just with significant physical injuries and scarring but also seriously affected his mental health and he remains traumatised. This mob mentality of making others feel intimidated and uncomfortable along with a belief that they can do as they please without consequences will not be tolerated.

"This random violent attack has landed Hollings with a significant sentence and his cohorts with suspended sentences which, it is hoped, will prevent them from committing further acts of violence."

Sophie Corcoran