Nose-biter sentenced to 1 year in jail

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A man who bit off a woman's nose during a fight has been sentenced to a year in jail and three years probation for the crime.

Stephen Medawis got into an argument with Polly Snyder at a Grand Rapids house party on Jan. 9, 2012. The situation escalated and ended when Medawis bit off her nose.

Snyder has since undergone extensive reconstructive surgery.

He pleaded no contest to mayhem in June. Mayhem is punishable by up to 10 years behind bars. But because of a criminal history and other charges, Medawis could have spent the rest of his life in prison.

"I'm really sorry this whole thing happened," said Medawis at the sentencing when he was afforded time to speak. "It happened so fast, there was really nothing I could do."

Snyder didn't attend the sentencing, but she did sent letter to the judge saying she accepts half the responsibility for the incident and didn't want Medawis to go to jail.
 
The judge rejected Snyder's request and and sentenced Medawis to a year in jail and three years probation, threatening prison if Medawis had any major problems while on probation.  

Medawis was also ordered not to consume alcohol or use non-prescription drugs and to stay away from any places serving alcohol and the victim while on probation.