Indian-origin man jailed for biting compatriot's ear in New Zealand

Anish Rao

Wellington: An Indian-origin man has been jailed and fined for biting off the ear of his former lover's new partner in New Zealand.

Rao had tried to enter his former lover's residence three times before the incident. PIC FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY

During a hearing on Friday, Anish Rao, 28, was sentenced to two years and three months in jail and fined NZ $500 ($430) for breaking into his former lover's property in New Lynn, a suburb in Auckland last year through the garage and smashing open a door which led to the house.

Rao's former lover Vikashni Ashari was asleep with her husband Ritesh Ram when the incident occurred.

On entering, Rao immediately attacked Ram and bit off the top of his left ear.

After attacking Ram, Rao went for Anshari, jumped on the bed and punched her on the face before making
his escape.

Ram found the piece of his ear and took it to the hospital but the doctors could not re-attach it. On being caught, Rao pleaded guilty to a charge of disfiguring with intent to injure and one of assaulting a female.

During Friday's hearing, Rao's lawyer said that his split from Ashari had left him obsessed and the home invasion followed a slew of abusive text messages and phone calls.

The defence lawyer also pleaded for a sentence of home detention but was rejected.

The judge described the offence as ‘callous and spiteful'. Earlier, Rao had attempted to enter Anshari and Ram's residence at least three times.