This from the UK’s Sheffeld Today news:

A MUSLIM man who bit off part of a security guard’s ear told police he couldn’t have deliberately carried out the attack – because he was fasting for Ramadan.

Mohammed Sarfraz, of Cliffe Field Road, Meersbrook, said he was fasting for Ramadan at the time of the incident, and it was forbidden for him to eat or drink during daylight hours.

When interviewed after his arrest, he said: “I don’t know why I’ve done this. I’m a Muslim, I was fasting, the last thing I should ever have done is eat something.”

The 31-year-old is accused of attacking James Thorpe, aged 55, who works at Sheffield Family Court, in revenge for jumping the queue at the Lloyds TSB cash machine in High Street, city centre, at about 8.50am on October 12.

Sarfraz admits biting Mr Thorpe but claims he attacked him to get free after being held in a bear hug….

“I saw his ear and I bit it. At the time I didn’t think – I just thought it would be enough to make him let go of me.”

“I was wrong and I feel sorry and disgusted with myself.” …

Sarfraz said he was at the machine to check his bank balance ahead of making a withdrawal to donate to the relief efforts for the victims of the Kashmir earthquake.

He admitted staying up all night before the attack, gambling at the Grosvenor House casino, in the city centre – where he lost £3,000 – but denied prosecution claims this had made him angry.

Prosecutor Fiona Swain said: “The final straw was when this man pushed in front of you at the cash point.”

Sarfraz replied: “No”.

He denied spitting Mr Thorpe’s ear onto the ground, ripping his headphones from his ears, or shouting “Get in line next time” at the victim.

The defendant admits causing grievous bodily harm but denies grievous bodily harm with intent.

The trial continues.