Man Jailed for Biting Off Victim’s Ear in Brutal London Attack
Twenty-year-old Luca Howse, from Rickmansworth, was locked up for three years after a savage assault that left a victim with a chunk of his ear bitten off. The shocking attack happened at The Steelyard in London.
Attack Caught on CCTV
Howse voluntarily handed himself in to Hertfordshire Police on 24 November 2019. CCTV footage shows him landing multiple punches on his victim in The Steelyard’s smoking area before jumping on him. In a gruesome act, Howse bit off the victim’s ear, taking the entire helix and half the earlobe.
Security staff quickly stepped in, detaining Howse until officers arrived. An ambulance rushed the injured man to hospital, carrying the severed ear. Doctors tried to reattach it, but sadly, it was impossible. The victim now suffers permanent physical, emotional, and financial damage.
Police Praise Quick Action and Security Measures
“I am pleased this violent and unpredictable criminal has been jailed,” said City of London Police Constable Yusef Meerza. “The senseless attack left the victim with permanent injuries.”
“Thanks to The Steelyard’s security – with ID checks and CCTV – Howse was swiftly identified and arrested, stopping further harm.”
“My thoughts are with the victim and his family. No one deserves to be attacked, especially not bitten. I hope Howse understands the consequences of his actions while serving his sentence.”
Howse to Serve 18 Months, Pleads Guilty
Howse pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act. He will serve 18 months in custody before being eligible for release on licence. The court noted a letter of remorse Howse sent to the victim and referenced a psychiatric report revealing he suffers from PTSD, has no violent history, and acted without premeditation.
