A man’s ear was ripped in an unprovoked attack in the early hours of Christmas Day, a court heard.

Yesterday, 19-year-old Jordan Nicholson appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court in connection with the alleged assault of the man and his girlfriend on December 25 last year.

Wearing a grey tracksuit and speaking only to confirm his personal details, Nicholson, of Stapleton Road, Bristol, entered no pleas to charges of wounding with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

Prosecutor Serena Edwards said the charges related to an incident in Swindon in the early hours of Christmas Day during which a man and his girlfriend were allegedly attacked by the defendant and another.

The man, who was knocked unconscious and his ear ripped, was said to have been struck with a metal pole and stamped on.

District Judge Tim Pattinson remanded Nicholson in custody to appear before Swindon Crown Court on June 12 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The defendant was represented by Alun Morgan.