A self-proclaimed cannibal was earlier this week sentenced to prison for biting off part of a stranger’s ear whilst under the influence of alcohol and then putting it in his pocket to eat later.

Read more about this horrifying story!

The 24 year old man, Garth Anderton, has an obsession with cannibalism, vampires and serial killers. There are records of which he had previously drunk his own blood, Exeter Crown Court was told.

Anderton, from Manchester, also admitted causing bodily harm with intent and three assaults.

He was jailed for six years with a five-year extended licence.

Anderton claimed a man had been laughing at him on New Year’s morning in Paignton, Devon. He told police that this had angered him, and whilst under the influence of alcohol and illegal, dangerous drugs, he attacked the stranger and bit off the bottom third of his ear!

When police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, Anderton told them that he “bit off the man’s ear” and that he ate it. “I am a cannibal.” Anderton stated.

Shortly after he was detained, officers found the ear in the zip pocket of his tracksuit bottoms, he stated; “It was chewy. I was saving it for later.”

Recorder Andrew Maitland said: “One thing which causes me great concern is that when you were arrested you gave the name Richard Trenton [an American serial killer]. That was no coincidence. The psychiatrist established you have a preoccupation with serial killers.”

“You told the probation [service] that you enjoyed every second of it. You said you taught Mr Turner a lesson and felt pretty proud.”

“You admitted you had said the ear was chewy and had said ‘yum yum’. I have no hesitation in concluding you pose a serious risk to the public.”

Mr Turner suffered serious facial injuries and the loss of a third of his ear.

Martin Salloway, said Anderton had a history of mental illness and this lay behind his actions.

Anderton had also said he failed to take prescribed medication and it was found he used alcohol and illegal drugs on the night of the attack.