An Aspull father who was scarred for life after part of his nose was bitten off in a fight has spoken of his anger after two men were given suspended sentences for their part in the incident.

David Peter Elliott, aged 39, of Brookdale Street in Failsworth and James William Leggat, aged 31, of Oakfield in Sale pleaded guilty to violent disorder earlier this year.

Elliott was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years and a 200-hour community punishment order. Leggat was given a nine-month sentence suspended for two years.

The 33-year-old victim was enjoying a night out with his wife in Manchester in August last year and after having a meal and a few drinks at a bar, they decided to go to the Panacea on John Dalton Street at about midnight.

Prior to them entering the club, Elliott, Leggat and a third man were captured on CCTV entering the bar at 11.04pm.

Two hours later, shortly after 2am, the victim went to the bar to get a drink where he became involved in a verbal argument with the third man, who police are still keen to trace.

During the argument the third man grabbed the victim from behind the head and lunged forward and bit part of his nose off.

Elliott was seen on CCTV stood next to the victim with his arm wrapped around the victim's back. He appeared to be extremely angry while he also spoke to the victim.

As the victim became dazed with blood pouring from his nose, he backed away, and as he did so, Elliott turned to face him and punched him in the side of his head.

The victim backed further away as Leggat threw a number of punches not just at the victim, but also at other people nearby.

After a few seconds, a man tried to restrain Leggat but he broke free and threw a few more punches before the door staff arrived and ordered the men out of the bar.

Officers arrived at the bar and were told the men that had carried out the attack were waiting to get into a club nearby, apparently boasting about what they had done.

Officers went to the club and arrested the Elliott and Leggat. The third man was not found.

The victim received treatment at the scene and was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital. He underwent an operation to reattach the section of his nose.

Unfortunately the operation was not successful and the victim needed further operations involving skin grafts. He is still to undergo a further operation to complete the course of his treatment, but has been scarred for life.

In interview, Elliott admitted entering the bar with his friend Leggat and another man he knew from going out in the city centre but did not know by name. He admitted being present at the scene of the assault, but claims he did not realise the victim had his nose bitten off. He admitted to punching the victim in the head, but claimed he acted in self-defence.

Leggat also admitted to entering the bar with Elliott but denied being with anybody else. He admitted throwing several punches at the victim and others in the belief that he would have been attacked had he not got the blows in first. He denied witnessing or realising the victim had his nose bitten off.

Elliott and Leggat were both bailed and later charged with the offences on 16 December 2006.

Speaking after the case, the victim, who does not wish to be identified, said: "I feel very disappointed with the sentences and feel like Elliott and Leggat laughing at me. They've walked out of court today and it feels like they've got away with it.

"I realise they didn't actually bite me but they were involved in this, one of them actually had his arm round my neck while the other man bit me.

"They haven't got any idea what this has done to me and my family, they've been let off with it very lightly.

"Walking out there now, it's over for them but it's not for me. They can just get on with their lives but I'm reminded every time I look in the mirror.

"Every time this case comes round, my wife gets very worried, it's upsetting for all the family.

"We just need the other man caught. It's as if Elliott and Leggat are carrying the can for what the he's done as well."

Detective Constable Alex Wild from North Manchester CID said: "This was a horrific attack and the injuries caused to the victim have been extremely upsetting for him and his family.

"Elliott and Leggat demonstrated a disgraceful level of violence, and Leggat not only narrowly directed it towards the victim but also at others nearby."

Detectives are continuing to appeal to the public for their help in tracing a man in connection with the incident called Christopher Simpson. aged 31. He is from the Limeside/Failsworth area of Oldham, but it is thought he could be staying anywhere across the country or may have even left the country.

Christopher Simpson is described as white, of medium to stocky build, about 5ft 8in, with short dark brown curly hair. On the night of the incident he was wearing a dark burgundy blazer/jacket, a long-sleeve white shirt underneath with the collar and cuffs showing and blue denim jeans with brown shoes.

Detectives are asking anyone who knows of Christopher Simpson's whereabouts or for Christopher himself to contact them at North Manchester CID on 0161 856 3540. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.