Published Monday, 03 September 2012
Lynch was granted bail on curfew. (© UTV)
Stephen Lynch, from Downpatrick, allegedly used a knife to inflict the wound on the victim in front of her boyfriend, the High Court heard.
The accused however, denies using any weapon, insisting the injury was caused by a single retaliatory punch after he was attacked first.
The 24-year-old from Stream Street in the Co Down town, faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and making threats to kill.
He was granted bail but banned from any contact with the woman or her partner.
The court heard how the incident happened in Downpatrick town centre on 14 May, just after Lynch had left the police station on other matters.
Philip Henry, prosecuting, said it was alleged that the accused became involved in a row with the victim.
"Then the applicant slashed her ear with a knife he had in his possession," the barrister said.
The prosecution told the court how she lost part of her ear after surgery failed to repair the damage done.
Paul McAlinden, defending, disputed that a knife was used and stressed that no weapon was used.
He claimed that his client was struck first after being hassled by the woman and her partner.
According to the defence Lynch then hit her on the face, with his fist catching her earring and causing the injury.
Urging the judge to grant bail, Mr McAlinden also revealed the injured party is now in prison because of a number of violent offences.
Mr Justice McLaughlin was informed that a plastic surgeon's report into the suspected cause of the injury is still awaited.
He agreed to grant bail on the basis that police were no longer objecting to Lynch's release.
Lynch was subjected to a night-time curfew, banned from taking alcohol, and ordered to report to police daily.